As for many of us, 2017 was a year of introspection and growth for the Baltimore music community. Familiar faces returned home, launched new ventures, or released seminal albums. New artists popped out of the woodwork and made their mark on the local scene. Collaboration was prolific, emotions were liberated, and a sort of homegrown catharsis ensued. A sense of change is in the air, and with the amount of talent we saw this year across all genres, we can’t wait to see what the future has in store for 2018. We couldn’t fit them all, but here are a handful of our favorite musical moments from the tumultuous past 12 months.

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Abdu Ali launches a podcast.

This fall, Baltimore native/rapper/writer Abdu Ali got to add a new title to his resume: radio show host. In October, the local artist launched his first-ever podcast, DrumBooty Radio, in iTunes via Mask Magazine. Using his background in journalism, Ali talks with fellow creatives of color about the African-American experience. With five bi-monthly, hour-long segments now under his belt, Ali has interviewed the likes of local writer/editor Lawrence Burney of True Laurels, writer/social justice advocate Bilphena Yahwon, and writer/filmmaker Nia Hampton on topics such as the importance of therapy, being black in the DIY scene, and owning your own narrative. Through this new medium, featuring one special song per episode, Ali continues to craft compelling art in the audible form and shine a spotlight on our city.

Brooks Long sings “Blues for Freddie Gray.”

Local jazz legend Lafayette Gilchrist released a new album this spring with a powerful single titled “Blues for Freddie Gray.” Riddled with Gilchrist’s pounding piano keys, a full brass section, and the soulful vocals of old-school virtuoso Brooks Long, the song is post-2015 Baltimore in a bottle. The lively, driving number is full of energy and emotion, with audio samples from actual television footage following the death of Freddie Gray and subsequent officer trials. But despite the opening police sirens and closing whirr of a Foxtrot helicopter that both speak to the lack of closure in Gray’s case, Gilchrist ends on a hopeful note. “I want to know that there’s a day that’s coming soon and fast,” howls the ever-talented Long. “I want a justice and a peace that’s made to last and last. Don’t ya tell me that we can’t all get it done.” 

Dan Deacon celebrates Spiderman of the Rings.

A lot has changed for Dan Deacon since the release of this seminal record some 10 years ago. He’s grown from a quasi-known experimental musician to a nationally acclaimed artist. His music has become a soundtrack for the New York City Ballet; his mad-scientist compositions have scored award-nominated documentary films. And yet, to celebrate the anniversary of this record, Deacon returned home to perform at the kind of DIY space that started it all. At 2640 inside St. John’s United Methodist church, his exuberant melodies led the city’s most die-hard music lovers through a journey back in time. They danced. They sweat. They stood in awe of Deacon’s humble musical mastery, along for the ride and forever thankful that he is and maybe always will be ours.

Future Islands performs four nights at the Ottobar.

When Future Islands announced a series of shows at the Ottobar this spring to commemorate the release of The Far Field, it seemed like the whole world was vying for a golden ticket in the heart-racing online lottery. When it was all said and done, Pitchfork was there, tuning the entire country in to hear the trio’s heartbreaking new record, but Baltimore was all in tow—John Waters and a medley of other notable hometown musicians included—to welcome the boys home. Through new hits (“Ran”) and old favorites (“Little Dreamer”), frontman Sam Herring sashayed across the stage, William Cashion plugged those iconic riffs on bass, and Gerritt Welmers let that swirling synth fill the sold-out room, it felt like our old hearts—full of local love—just might explode.

Good Fridays makes Baltimore dance again. 

Over a year ago, then-Baltimore arts and culture editor Gabriella Souza was on the phone with John Waters when she got an idea. The local auteur noted that his hit film Hairspray! had been inspired by the variety and dance television shows of the mid-20th-century that had sadly gone the way of the buffalo. Wouldn’t it be great, they mused, if people could get together—regardless of age, race, or class—to just dance like that today? With the help of PipeDreamz’s AC Miller-Abdullah and Baltimore contributor Cassandra Miller, Good Fridays Baltimore was born, bringing all walks of city life together for live music by the likes of Al Rogers Jr., Wendel Patrick, and Eze Jackson, local art by Shan Wallace and Aaron Maybin, and a free-for-all dance party featuring local DJs into the wee hours of the night. As the event continues to grow, we can’t wait to see what—and who—comes next.

J Pope and the HearNow release its long-awaited debut.

After years of performing around town, this alt-soul collective released its debut in June. Produced by local beat wizard Wendel Patrick, Soul Searching captures the dynamic sound of this prolific live-performing sextet—a unique fusion of soul and hip-hop with a touch of R&B and blues. The record highlights the honey-coated lyrical flair and fast-paced finesse of frontwoman Jasmine Pope and showcases the masterful improvisations of her dexterous band mates. From the highs of frenzied funk rhythms to the lows of slow burning jazz numbers, the HearNow touches on the ups ands downs of living as a working artist. This album is Exhibit A of the talent, dedication, and hard work it takes. 

Local musicians spin at Idle Hour.

Last fall, Friends Records began a new residency at our favorite vinyl-slinging dive bar, Idle Hour, in Riverside. With the watering hole newly reopened, we weren’t sure if the famed record player would live on, but thanks to the bar owners and Jimmy MacMillan’s roster of local artists, the ones and twos are alive and well curated. Hometown favorites like Blacksage, Natural Velvet, and Surf Harp have spun handpicked selections from their various genres of electronic R&B, post-punk, and indie rock. In 2018, we’d buy the bar a round of pickle backs to hear Bond St. District’s Unkle Lulu, Microkingdom, or Peals.

Micah E. Wood makes dating easier.

Perhaps our favorite album of the year goes to See Me by Micah E. Wood. On this new record, the local songwriter and music photographer tackles the trials of modern love, pulling our heart strings as he rolls through the tribulations of 21st-century romance with honesty, humility, and humor. In the poignant “Match,” Wood candidly delves into the brutal honesties of online dating. In his first single, “Without You,” his anthemic chorus sums up the jubilant feeling of finally getting over a breakup. In the buoyant “Something,” his bubbly beat embodies the beauty of letting your guard down and liking someone again.  We especially love the additions of fellow heart-pullers Joy Postell, :3ion, and the aforementioned Al Rogers Jr. Through tender electronic melodies and charming talk-sing vocals, Wood and company make our stone cold hearts—thanks a lot, Tinder—finally feel human again.

Natural Velvet drops a timely album on feminine rage.

We couldn’t have realized how much Natural Velvet’s new Mirror to Make You would resonate in 2017. But with a strong focus on “feminine rage,” as frontwoman Corynne Ostermann puts it, coinciding with the nation’s “silence breakers” that have shed fresh light on widespread sexual harassment and assault throughout multiple industries, we can’t help but find new meaning. Each song is a rebellious declaration of feeling and fury with unabashedly frank lyrics that dissect femininity and endorse the power of the female. Whatever your gender, listening to these songs is cathartic. You finish with the full weight of three small lyrics to live by from “Kronos.” “I am. I choose. I chose.”  

Opera singers unite to form Outcalls.

We love the ladies of Outcalls. With their glittering get-ups, engaging social media presence, and ambitious attitude, Peabody grads Britt Olsen-Ecker and Melissa Wimbish have catapulted themselves onto the local arts scene and created their very own genre along the way. While the band has been around since 2015, the classically trained singers have carved out a sort of baroque indie-pop music on this debut-like record, combining the classics of shimmering synth and shoegaze guitar with ethereal soprano harmonies and robust electronic rhythms that are as hypnotic as they are awakening. Witchy, somewhat tribal, and even a little bit dusty old Spaghetti Western, “Skip to Sunrise” has become one of our top songs of the year. 

Snail Mail shoots to stardom.

It wasn’t long after the 2016 release of Snail Mail’s debut album that Lindsey Jordan and her two band mates started to get national attention. The band’s lo-fi indie rock music was suddenly in the web pages of Pitchfork and, before long, sprawled across a feature in The New York Times. The trio sold out the Ottobar, recorded a NPR Tiny Desk Concert, went off on tour with indie darlings Beach Fossils, and then signed a deal with Matador Records. (We also awarded them a Best of Baltimore for “Rising Star.”) Fresh out of high school and already well beyond their years, it’s safe to say that they are, officially, the next big thing.

Super City get synchronized in infectious music video.

This year, the Baltimore music scene has really upped the ante when it comes to music videos, with few more shining examples than that of this playful spring take on Super City’s most recent single, “Artificial Sin.” The indie slow jam gets star treatment with fresh outfits and unexpected choreography as the band’s five musicians don white jumpsuits and leather Chelsea boots and use coy dance moves to tap, twirl, and even, in one moment, drop it like its hot in a room full of turtle-necked backup dancers. Special guests include Paul Hutson of Bond St. District and Olsen-Ecker and Wimbish of Outcalls, to name a few. You can’t watch it without wishing you were there, too. 

The Cardinal Sheehan Choir performs “Rise Up.”

In September, Baltimore middle schoolers went viral after a video of their choir rehearsal featuring a powerful performance of Andra Day’s “Rise Up” made its rounds, in the millions, around the Internet. Within a couple of weeks, they were performing live on “Good Morning America,” with Day herself responding with a special message for the students: “Your video was so powerful and moved me so deeply and is moving the entire nation right now…We appreciate you so much.” One of the more heartwarming moments of an otherwise turbulent year, the students later performed for Baltimore in their Loch Raven gymnasium, while choir director Kenyatta Hardison shared the back-story of their shot to fame. This below video went viral for us, too.

The Ottobar turns 20.

Two decades is an eternity in the lifetime of a rock club, let alone one in Baltimore where it seems like every old-school establishment is quickly being replaced with a glitzy sky-rise apartment building. But this September, the Ottobar turned a whopping 20 years old. From the rabblerousing rock years downtown on Davis Street to the wide-ranging lineups on Howard Street in Remington today, our dark, dingy, perfectly-imperfect music venue has remained the go-to spot for artists of all genres, still sticking to its unapologetic, underdog guns as more massive arenas open in D.C. and across the country. To celebrate, legends of the past—J. Roddy Walston, Wye Oak, Roads to Space Travel, Candy Machine—stepped back onstage to relive, and continue, the glory days.

WTMD launches kid-friendly Saturday Morning Tunes concert series. As a young father himself, Sam Sessa saw the conundrum: what happens when music lovers grow up and have kids?  They can’t just go see a show any old night of the week anymore. They have bedtimes—and pajamas to put on. Can they not have fun anymore? Enter Saturday Morning Tunes, Sessa’s brainchild concert for both the young and the young art heart. With a smattering of sold-out shows at both the Towson studio and Senator Theatre, and future plans to include more notable Baltimore bands that are otherwise not associated with the “kindie” genre, these weekend morning shows have quickly become a new favorite family ritual. Best of all, like sifting through an old record collection with your mom or sharing that old cassette tape with your son, it’s even an better opportunity for parents—however cool they used to be—to bond with their (hopefully) music-loving kids. 

So what happens when David ties Goliath? In this case, the two come together to make great beer.

Every year, in addition to our editorial winners in our “Best of Baltimore” issue, Baltimore magazine gives readers the chance to vote on their favorite local businesses. This year, in the Best Brewery category, two-man startup Goonda Beersmiths tied with five-year-old mainstay Union Craft Brewing.

“We were blown away since it’s just the two of us,” says Goonda co-founder Tim Scouten about he and his partner Rahul Cherian. “I joked that Union has more salespeople than we have employees, so it’s just really cool and humbling to be in the same breath as those guys.”

For Union co-founder Jon Zerivitz, the readers’ poll honor came at a perfect time when the brewery was already thinking about who they’d want to collaborate with for Baltimore Beer Week. Goonda, which contract brews out of Peabody Heights in Waverly, was already on the short list.

“Within a couple of hours of seeing the results, I reached out to Tim to see if he wanted to do something. It was a no-brainer,” Zerivitz says. “For us, it’s all about whose beer do we respect, who we get along with, and what will lead to a successful beer at the end of the day.”

Scouten sat at a picnic table with Union head brewer Kevin Blodger to spitball some ideas. They threw out some unique concepts like a dry-hopped English stout, but they ultimately decided to go with what Goonda has become known for: the double IPA. 

“Union has access to some crazy hops that we just don’t and we were able to build a great base beer,” Scouten says. “Collaborations are always a risk because you don’t know other systems quite as well. It’s like cooking in someone else’s kitchen.”

But both parties are happy with the end result—Extra! Extra! a triple dry-hopped, double IPA packed with the distinct smells and flavors of Idaho 7 and Citra hops. The can, which comes in four-packs, pays homage to the journalism world both in name and graphic design.

“We were initially going to call it readers’ choice, but when I thought about all the double and triple elements, this name made sense,” Zerivitz explains, “Plus I could play with layout, headlines, and really tell the story of how it came to be.”

Beer lovers can try it for themselves this Friday at Union Craft Brewing’s Baltimore Beer Week kick-off event benefitting the Station North Tool Library. The carnival-themed affair will feature games and installations created by the tool library, funnel cake and carnival food from Center Cut Doughnuts and Clavel, live music from Rufus Roundtree and Da B’More Brass Factory, and the chance to try two other collaboration beers (with Oliver Brewing and Stillwater Artisanal).

“This really has been doubly amazing for us,” says Scouten, who says Goonda is in the very early process of finding a permanent home. “We got a bit of hype and we got to brew beer with Union. It’s been the best experience.”

So 2013 was the year it kind of all came together—the year
Baltimore “stopped being polite and started getting real,” to borrow a
phrase. We’re not sure whether it was our explosion of locavore-minded
cafes and food trucks, our proliferation of defiantly weird local art
and artists, or our amazing (booyah!) sports teams—but Baltimore
suddenly felt like the place to be. And not in a trendy,
flavor-of-the-month kind of way, either. Just in a, well, Baltimore way.
We hope our Best-of issue reflects that “realness.” And we’re happy to
share the Best-ofs from the brilliant cast and crew of Veep—who’ve noticed how awesome we are, too.

The Baltimore Chocolate Dipped Salted Caramel Chocolate Cupcake

• 2 eggs
• 4 oz. Canola Oil
• 8 oz. Water
• 8 oz. Heavy Cream (substitute milk if desired)
• 1 oz. Vanilla
• 1 pound Granulated Sugar
• 12 oz. All Purpose Flour
• 4 oz. Cocoa Powder (recommend a dark blend)
• 2 tsp. Baking Soda
• 1 tsp Baking Powder
• 1 tsp. Salt
• 1/2 tsp Old Bay

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Combine all the wet ingredients in a mixing bowl and whisk until smooth
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet and whisk until completely smooth, no lumps.
5. Fill cupcake wrappers in cupcake pans 2/3rd full with batter
6. Bake in oven for about 14-16 minutes until the tops spring back when tapped or until when a toothpick inserted into the cupcake comes out clean.
7. Cool completely.

Quick and Easy Salted Caramel Buttercream

• 1 pound butter
• 1 pound powdered sugar
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 6 oz. pre made caramel (store bough or homemade)
• 1 tsp coarse sea salt

1. Whip all ingredients with a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy!
2. Frost cupcakes as desired!

**TIP** For a lighter, fluffier frosting, you can add a few splashes of heavy cream. You can also do this if the frosting is a little too thick to frost.

Chocolate Dipped Old Bay Potato Chips

• Old Bay Potato Chips
• Melting Chocolate

1. Melt down the chocolate slowly, being careful not to burn.
2. Dip half of the potato chip in the chocolate and allow to cool on parchment paper.
3. Once hardened, top each cupcake with the potato chip

Fierce. It’s the buzzword of the year, first introduced by America’s Next Top Model’s Tyra Banks and then popularized by Baltimore’s very own Christian Siriano, winner of Project Runway. (You go, boyfriend!)

So what does it mean? Its closest corollary is “fabulous,” but with an extra touch of bravado, an envelope-pushing quality to give it that millennial twist. Which leads to the inevitable question: Is Baltimore fierce?

If you check out the various winners of this year’s Best of Baltimore, we think you’ll agree that our fierceness factor is on the rise. Not just in the hip, new hotspots—like Harbor East and Clipper Mill—but in rejuvenated stalwarts like Federal Hill, Mt. Washington, and Lauraville. Plus, what could be more fierce than being ecologically correct? To that end, we added our first-ever Green category to Best of Baltimore.

But this fierceness thing is still a work-in-progress. So we asked local luminaries to weigh in on ways to make Baltimore even more fierce. As the saying might one day go, you can never be too rich, too thin . . . or too fierce.

FOOD

Bakery Visit Piedigrotta Bakery, 1300 Bank Street, 410-522-6900, on the outskirts of Little Italy at your own poundage peril. Delicacies—from profiteroles and éclairs to cannoli and strudel—beckon temptingly in this fragrant space. Owner-baker Carminantonio Iannaccone and his wife, Bruna, who tends to the glass cases of goodies, moved into larger quarters this year. Now, patrons can linger at small tables with their sweets and cups of espresso. But it’s in the spanking-new, stainless-steel kitchen where Iannaccone works his baking magic. Perhaps it’s no surprise that he’s credited with inventing tiramisu (also available at the shop) in his native Italy.

Ambiance In the beginning, it seemed an odd pairing: Indian food at an elegant Old Baltimore apartment house where residents were better known for their blue-blood taste buds than ethnic leanings. Of course, the naysayers were quickly shushed by the first-rate royal Indian cuisine being served at the Ambassador Dining Room, 3811 Canterbury Road, 410-366-1484. The elegant setting, with 30’s-era architecture and white-table-cloth service, extends to the outdoor terrace in warm weather with a spectacular backdrop of greenery and colorful seasonal blooms—a peaceful tableau to savor in the city. You’ll want to linger long after the last drop of chai.

Barbecue It may be hundreds of miles to Alabama, but you really only have to drive to Cockeysville to get a taste of Dixie food at Andy Nelson’s Barbecue, 11007 York Road, 410-527-1226. As soon as you see the pink pig with the “Q” on the roof, you know you’ve found Southern nirvana. The slow-cooked, hickory-smoked pork simmered in a family sauce produces a succulent ‘cue that’s hard to beat. It’s why a friend of ours, who hails from Alabama and landed in Delaware, makes the trek frequently down 95 and across the Beltway. It’s the real deal, he swears. And worth the trip, whatever your origins.

Bento Box We’ve adopted a lot of things from the Japanese, but the bento box has to be one of its most utilitarian—and delicious. Usually, it refers to a metal or wooden box divided into compartments, each filled with some sort of tantalizing food. RA Sushi, 1390 Lancaster Street, 410-522-3200, ranks at the top of our list for these “fast-food” lunch presentations. At RA, you’ll find several main choices—from shrimp tempura to beautifully glazed salmon teriyaki—to go along with miso soup, uchi no salad, rice, spinach gyoza, and a vegetable spring roll.

Bread Thank goodness, bread is in again, although it was never out for us. We consider it the staff of life, despite what Atkins’ followers might say. And when we want to load up on carbs, we head to Atwater’s, 529 E. Belvedere Avenue, Belvedere Square, 410-323-2396, (there’s another location at the Shops at Kenilworth in Towson) for one of its hand-shaped, hearth-baked breads made from scratch. Sure, you can lather it with creamy butter, but we prefer its plain, organic wholesomeness whether it’s peasant wheat, sunflower flax, or kalamata olive.

Burgers Run-of-the-mill hamburgers may claim a spot on many menus, but a truly memorable, classic burger is a rare and valuable find. Fortunately, Burger Bros., 14 Allegheny Avenue, Towson, 410-321-1880, delivers just that. With a lovingly baked brioche bun embracing freshly ground, expertly seasoned meat, a burger just doesn’t get any better than this. Order a gigantic side of fries (you won’t be sorry), and don’t forget to grab a handful of napkins before your first bite!

Cake Finally—our very own state dessert, thanks to this year’s General Assembly, which saw fit to honor the multilayered Smith Island cake as our own. It’s a regal cake with down-home roots in its namesake Chesapeake Bay outpost, where the ladies in town are known to turn out yummy confections. But you don’t have to travel to the island to enjoy its charms. SugarBakers Cakes, 752 Frederick Road, Catonsville, 410-788-9478, has a delicious rendition with nine layers of yellow cake and eight layers of chocolate frosting for $60, or you can head across the street to Catonsville Gourmet Market & Fine Foods for a slice of statehood from SugarBakers for $6.50.

Chocolate Of course this wonderful stuff is called “food of the gods.” But, as we’ve found, some chocolates are more heavenly than others. To us, Cacao Lorenzo, 1818 Pot Spring Road, Timonium, 410-453-9334, ranks right up there on the celestial plane. Pluck any morsel from its “galerie au chocolat” and revel in seductive combinations of, say, port-wine-soaked figs and milk-chocolate butter ganache or lavender-flower-infused ganache enrobed in dark chocolate. Or maybe try chestnut-paste ganache with calvados in dark chocolate. We could dreamily go on about these elixirs. Regardless of the feel-good endorphins they may stimulate, these chocolates are guaranteed to make your heart flutter—with joy.

Coffee We are so lucky to have Zeke’s Coffee, 3003 Montebello Terrace, Lauraville, 443-992-4388, in our midst. The roastery’s heavenly beans produce seductive brews that will have you hooked in no time. This hometown coffee is available at numerous restaurants and stores around town, including the Baltimore City Farmers’ Market. We’re partial to the Mexican Chiapas fair-trade beans, which produce a medium-bodied coffee with a surprisingly chocolaty kick. But there’s so much more, including those with names attached to Bawlmer: Charm City Blend, Herring Run Brew, Tell Tale Dark (thanks, Mr. Poe), and Shot Tower Espresso.

Cooking Classes Chef/owner Nancy Longo of Pierpoint Restaurant, 1822 Aliceanna Street, 410-675-2080, has added another notch to her apron—that of cooking teacher. Her classes for budding chefs ages 10-17 proved so successful that parents began clamoring for their own time. This year, Longo added fun, informative sessions for us grown-ups, too. The intricacies of French, Italian, Thai, and other cuisines are explored in her Sunday afternoon (and occasional Monday) sessions. She’ll even customize a class for groups of eight or more.

Crêpes Whether wrapped around hearty cheeses and meats or elevating simple fruits to fancy dessert status, these delicate French pancakes are all the rage. Our favorites can be found tucked into an unassuming office building at Crêpe Café at Café de Paris, 8808 Centre Park Drive, Columbia, 410-997-3904. Available with a variety of fillings both sweet and savory, these crêpes inhabit that golden mean between paper thin and sumptuously fluffy. Don’t be surprised when they leave you whistling “La Marseillaise.”

Cupcakes We’re great fans of the trend toward miniaturization: tiny vegetables, tapas, servings for one. The same goes for our treats. While towering cakes have their place, their smaller counterparts definitely win the cute factor. The Baltimore Cupcake Company, 1433 E. Fort Avenue, 410-783-1600, is our go-to place for a tiny taste of sweet goodness. (There are other locations, including Annapolis.) The moist, tender cakes are topped with a generous swirl of icing in a variety of flavors. But nothing says party time like the pure joy of a rich chocolate cake with butter-cream frosting and confetti sprinkles.

Dessert If you eat out enough, you tend to see the same dessert offerings: chocolate mousse cake, Key lime pie, tiramisu. So it’s always a treat when a restaurant takes an adventurous leap and turns up the heat, literally. The Baked Alaska at The Oceanaire Seafood Room, 801 Aliceanna Street, 443-872-0000, is all we could ask for in a wonderfully retro dessert that deserves a place in the new millennium. The swirly meringue topping, sealing the sponge-cake-ice-cream interior, is flamed table­side, creating quite a spectacle with absolutely delicious results.

Ethnic We’ve got plenty of reasons to celebrate the opening of Baltimore Pho, 1116 Hollins Street, 410-752-4746, not least of which is that there’s finally a truly excellent Vietnamese restaurant in the city proper. We’re also just plain hooked on its eponymous signature dish, which boasts a heady broth that’ll cure what ails you, as well as the sophisticated digs that make you feel like you’re eating chic even though the food is pretty cheap. But we also admit we’re thrilled that the opening of Baltimore Pho—as well as nearby Zella’s Pizza—signals the resurgence of Sowebo, a neighborhood long in need of attention and love. Go Pho!

Grocery We have to applaud Graul’s Market, 12200 Tullamore Road, Lutherville, 410-308-2100 (and other locations), the family-run grocery store that opened in 1920 in Baltimore. Since the early days, the stores have multiplied and prospered under the direction of family members. There are now six markets in the area, with the newest one in St. Michael’s. We’re partial to the accessible layouts and pretty products on display. The lemons seem a little brighter; the beef, a little redder here. At the Mays Chapel location there’s a whole cadre of pleasant workers in pink pinstripe shirts who really seem to care about you. It’s a nice change from bumbling around a cavernous mega-grocery looking for capers or crème fraîche.

Kids Menu Why should grown-ups have all the foodie fun? Twelve-and-unders who want to venture beyond chicken fingers will love the kids menu at Golden West Cafe, 1105 W. 36th Street, 410-889-8891. Mixing classics like mini burgers and cheese quesadillas with more experimental fare such as the PBJ French toast (with real blackberries and blueberries), the menu is diverse and interesting enough for any budding gourmand. Moms and dads will be happy, too, with the healthy entrées and variety of side options, spanning fries to whole wheat Fig Newtons.

Milkshake How can you go wrong with ice cream and milk whipped into a cool, frothy beverage? You can’t. That pure and simple recipe produces a lip-smacking milkshake atThe Olde Malt Shop, 635 E. Fort Avenue, 410-727-5769. There’s vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and other flavors—pick your pleasure. Mark Trunk and his wife, Penny George, are the congenial soda jerks in second-career jobs at this old-fashioned ice cream parlor, which was featured on Rachael Ray’s Tasty Travels on the Food Network. While the milkshake is yummy, don’t forget to try the malts, floats, sundaes, and cones, too.

New Restaurant After a long hiatus, much-heralded chef and restaurateur Spike Gjerde came roaring back last fall with Woodberry Kitchen, 2010 Clipper Park Road, 410-464-8000, a zeitgeist-conscious nod to the locavore movement which, in typical Gjerde fashion, brings high style to the homespun concept of eating simple, locally grown food. Few “rustic” environs are as chic or alluring as Woodberry’s Clipper Mill venue, and one taste of the succulently sweet Marvesta Farms shrimp is proof that local flavor is, well, pretty damned flavorful. No apologies to McDonald’s. We’re lovin’ it.

Pasta There are so many terrific Italian restaurants in town, but we have to go with La Scala, 1012 Eastern Avenue, 410-783-9209, as our favorite place for hearty, Old World pasta dishes like the spicy shrimp fra diavolo. You can always count on chef/owner Nino Germano to produce comforting feasts with thick, red, pleasantly garlicky sauces among other tempting creations. The restaurant has also gone through a recent expansion, including the addition of a 2,200-bottle wine room and an indoor bocce court. That’s right. Now you can indulge in a little sport after downing the amazingly large tiramisu.

Pizza We admit it. We’ve been selfish when it comes to Pasta Mista, 822 Dulaney Valley Road, Towson, 410-321-8855. It’s hard enough to share its gustatory pleasures with the mobs of college kids and other suburbanites who jam the store. But now that it’s opened another location at Conkling and Boston streets in Brewers Hill, we’re ready to spread the word about its pizza charms. Sausage is a big seller, but the white veggie is a great indulgence, too. Thin crusts, generous toppings and, okay, a tad of grease make these pies everything you want in that all-American food we call pizza.

Poultry We knew there was something special about them as soon as we saw them. The free-range organic chickens of Springfield Farm, 16701 Yeoho Road, Sparks, 410-472-0738, are noticeably smaller than the hormone-laden behemoths you see in the supermarket. But the taste is giant-sized, a revelation of tenderness and succulence. You’ll find Springfield chicks—and their equally lovingly raised lamb, beef, pork, and turkeys—in the finest local restaurants, but a trip to the farm is worth the gas, especially if you’ve got kids. The Smith family will let you roam the grounds so you can encounter those fabulously tended animals in their natural habitat, a true lesson in mindful eating for even little locavores.

Pub Fare One of the things we especially like about Mother’s Federal Hill Grille, 1113 S. Charles Street, 410-244-8686, is that it’s a multigenerational hangout. You’ll see toddlers in high chairs and families with teens sharing space with dating couples and fun-loving grandparents. The food is equal opportunity, too. There’s fancy fare if you’d like, but we prefer the casual side of the menu—okay, the caloric stuff known as bar food. (We like to think of Mother’s crisp mozzarella sticks with marinara sauce and meaty Buffalo wings as necessary food groups, but no one’s buying it.) The highlight has to be the Heart Attack on a Plate: a plump, beer-battered burger stuffed with cheddar and then deep-fried. Seeing is believing. Eating is even better.

Restaurateurs They’ve done it again. When the Charleston Group, a.k.a. Tony Foreman and chef Cindy Wolf, opened Cinghiale in Harbor East last year, they not only added to their considerable empire—three of the city’s most important restaurants and a thriving wine store—but solidified their rep as the most able, savvy, and forward-minded restaurateurs in town. Cinghiale, a lavish celebration of pure, regional Italian cuisine, bears the signature trait of all their endeavors: a passionate commitment to the best wines, real food, and expert service; and a burning desire to single-handedly elevate Baltimoreans’ dining experience. We’d say they’ve done pretty darn well.

Romantic Setting The Milton Inn, 14833 York Road, Sparks, 410-771-4366, is not just a place to take your 80-year-old parents for their anniversary. It’s also an elegant, throw-back setting for couples of any age looking for a quiet interlude, impeccable service, and innovative food. Yes, innovative. Chef Brian Boston delivers the expected (traditionally prepared steaks and fish) but also the unexpected, like the edgy jerk-marinated pork chop with andouille risotto and pineapple-Key lime coulis. All this while enjoying the grandeur of sitting by a roaring fire in the charming 1740’s mansion or sitting on the outdoor patio amid the verdant hills of Hunt Valley.

Shrimp Salad This is a town that has almost as many versions of shrimp salad as it has crab cakes. So when someone tells us that such-and-such place has the best shrimp salad, we cast a weary eye in their direction. We’ve been burned before. But our visit toTowson Delly North, 1711 York Road, Lutherville, 410-560-3399, was a turning point. We will happily return for the shop’s incredible shrimp salad again and again. It features whole, large shrimp with just a touch of mayo to bind it all together and a hint of Old Bay. The shrimp is cooked perfectly and the sweet flavor is immediately evident. To our shrimp salad tipper: Sorry we ever doubted you.

Sliders Once the sole province of fast food joints—RIP The Little Tavern— the slider’s name has been adopted for a variety of foods sandwiched between small buns. Nearly every restaurant has a version these days. Our favorite for its creativity and richness in flavor is the foie gras and Kobe beef slider with truffle aioli and red onion marmalade atSalt, 2127 E. Pratt Street, 410-276-5480. What more can we say?

Tea Room Is there any better way to inject a little serenity into the daily grind than a perfectly civilized afternoon tea? We think not. With wall murals of soothing Scottish moors, a menu ranging from delicate tea sandwiches to robust soups and wraps, and a mile-long tea list that spans the globe, The Crown and Thistle Tea Room, 10 Fila Way, Sparks, 410-472-4566, will satisfy both hardcore tea enthusiasts and those simply searching for a genteel afternoon luncheon.

First Date Oy, the jitters, the awkward pauses, the “what if we’ve got nothing in common?” perils of a first date. Not to worry; we’ve got the perfect remedy. Start off with a movie at our favorite indie-rep-art cinema, The Charles Theatre, 1711 N. Charles Street, 410-727-FILM, followed by some shared small plates at in-house eatery Tapas Teatro, 410-332-0110. The movie’s sure to be a conversation-starter (not to mention a litmus test), and Teatro’s party atmosphere—always packed, always loud—guarantees a nix on the awkward silences.

Southern Cooking We love the ebullient Casey Jenkins, the plucky chef/owner ofDarker Than Blue Café, 3034 Greenmount Avenue, 443-872-4468, in part for bringing much-needed culinary chops to the underserved Waverly neighborhood. A native New Yorker, Jenkins uses ingredients from the nearby Waverly farmers’ market and Culinary Institute of America training to create fare that’s both soulful and sophisticated, particularly with his roster of Southern stalwarts: fried chicken, candied yams, cornbread, mac ‘n’ cheese, and achingly sweet iced tea. With comfort food like this, plus the restaurateur’s friendly vibe, you’ll feel like you’ve come home to supper.

View There’s something special about combining a stellar meal with a memorable view, especially if you’re looking out over a wide swath of the harbor. We found thatWatertable, Renaissance Harborplace Hotel, 202 E. Pratt Street, 410-685-8439, provides just the right vantage point for taking in the watery vista. Daytime has its own charms, but in the evening, the boats and shops twinkle with lights in a magical setting while you’re nestled at contemporary wood tables enjoying the culinary talents of chefs Sean Patrick Curry and Niven Patel.

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GREEN

Green Cheerleader For the past 20 years, Carol Silldorff has been promoting environmentalism to government agencies, nonprofits, and everyone in between. Silldorff, 41, has championed recycling programs and shed light on hazardous waste management. Seven years ago, she started to focus on nonprofit groups like One Less Car and Baltimore Green Week, which have expanded exponentially since she took the helm. Hats off to Silldorff for going green long before it was cool.

Earth-Conscious Clothing Store Nest, 5809 Clarksville Square Drive, Clarksville, 443-535-0212, is about way more than clothes. Sure, virtually every product is organic, handmade, or fair-trade, but the store also spreads its eco-love to the community by sponsoring monthly environmental events and belonging to “Conscious Corner,” a group of green stores in the area. Clothes at Nest are made of organic cotton, hemp, soy, bamboo, and even recycled soda bottles. Customers can even sign optional eco-pledges, like be sure to wash your clothes in cold water when you take them home.

Eco-Aware Home Décor If you’re looking for anything earth-friendly, chances are you’ll find it at bluehouse, 1407 Fleet Street, 410-276-1180. The retailer/café sells chemical-free home décor made from recycled materials and paint with low- or non-toxic chemicals. All of the coffee and tea in the cafe is organic and fair-trade, meaning farmers get equitable compensation for their labor. Bluehouse’s stationary, business cards, bags, and napkins are made from recycled materials. It even gives out used coffee grounds for gardens or compost piles.

Eco-Friendly Construction Company A lot of the construction giants are taking on more eco-friendly projects these days, but we want to give a nod to one that’s all green, all the time. Baltimore Green Construction, 814 W. 36th Street, 410-889-3193, built the first home in Maryland made out of pressed straw from wheat fields. It also recently broke ground on the Masonville Cove Environmental Education Center, a radically low-energy space with solar panels and insulated windows. Proof that its homes save on energy? One customer thanked them for her $25 utility bill.

Eco-Gifts You’re giving more than just one gift when you buy from Earth Alley, 3602 Elm Avenue, 410-366-2110. Almost every trinket lining the yellow-green walls of this fair- trade eco-oasis is made from reusable material and supports nonprofit causes in the artist’s country of origin. Gifts include lightweight aluminum bangles, delicate necklaces made from broken plates, mirrors framed with tightly rolled magazine pages, intricate metalwork made from recycled oil drums, candles that melt into massage oil, and bowls made from tightly-wound telephone wire. This shop will make you reconsider the artistic value of everything you’ve ever thrown out.

Energy-Efficient Building Form is function at the Herring Run Watershed Center, 3445 Belair Road, 410-254-1577, the new headquarters for the Herring Run Watershed Association, which improves the environmental quality of the watershed. The center has a “living roof” with tons of plants that absorb rainwater and a cistern that collects more rainwater for plumbing. There are also insulated windows, skylights, and a light well to maximize natural daylight.

Green Festival Who said helping the environment is all work and no play? Baltimore’s EcoFestival, held each spring in Druid Hill Park, features bands, food, and art, all while promoting an eco-friendly lifestyle. Attendees at this year’s event—including Mayor Sheila Dixon—could listen to the tunes of folk rocker Caleb Stine while munching on veggie burritos and sipping organic Bluebird Coffee. They could also practice yoga moves in the wellness area or browse the more than 100 vendors with information on solar panels and composting.

Green Neighborhood Initiative Last December, thousands stood in line to buy recycling bins, as a part of the city’s Single-Stream Recycling Program. A best-of worthy feat on its own were it not for one glitch: The bright yellow containers, on sale for $5-6, quickly ran out and residents had to wait weeks for new ones. The solution? Residents in the Hampden/Roland Park area decided to get creative. They went out to local department stores and bought and decorated reusable bins. In this massive do-it-yourself project, some people spray-painted the bins yellow and others drew their own versions of the recycling symbol. Thanks to that creative energy and the Department of Public Works’ new program, recycling tonnage has increased nearly 20 percent since the beginning of the year.

Green Transportation Initiative Bikes whiz by frequently on the streets of Portland and San Francisco. In Baltimore? Not so much. But Velocipede Bike Project, 4 W. Lanvale Street, 410-244-5585, wants to change all that. The cooperative project collects donated bikes, teaches people how to repair them, and provides affordable, refurbished bicycles and parts to its members. To join, you pay a monthly fee of $33 or give three hours of volunteer time. Once you’re an official co-op member, you can pick out a frame, fix up a bike for yourself, and call it your own.

Organic Salon Who says you can’t look gorgeous and be good to Mother Earth? Since 2006, Sprout, 925 W. 36th Street, 410-235-2269, has been the most eco-friendly salon in town. Besides using chemical-free products like Aubrey Organics, John Masters, Druide, and its own hair-care line, the salon has bamboo flooring and energy-efficient lights. Sprout also buys renewable energy credits from wind farms around the country and it recycles everything it can—yes, even the hair it cuts, which is used for sponges and fertilizer.

Sustainable Car Dealership Nowadays, you can purchase a hybrid vehicle from just about anywhere. But Northwest Honda, 9701 Reisterstown Road, Owings Mills, 410-363-8700, is hardly just anywhere. The dealership has a “green roof,” with approximately 60,000 drought- and frost-resistant plants (which makes storm run-off go into the soil rather than the watershed), plus 87 insulated glass panels, and light sensors that automatically switch on and off to conserve energy. The dealership’s main heat source uses recycled oil from cars. It’s no surprise that there is currently a waiting list for Northwest’s Civic Hybrid—we “Greenies” tend to stick together.

Sustainable Restaurant The Dogwood, 911 W. 36th Street, 410-889-0952, is both a good restaurant and a good neighbor. Its market-driven menu uses locally produced ingredients like chicken from Springfield Farms in Sparks, salmon from local fisherman Gaylord Clark, and other food from Tuscarora Organic Growers Co-Op. The restaurant (and catering company) composts all of its food waste and uses corn-based plastics and containers made from sugar cane.

Use of Greenbacks What better way to build a greener future than to catch architects while they’re still in school? That was the thought of Baltimore developer John B. Colvin and his wife, Karen Colvin, who donated $3 million to the University of Maryland’s School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation (its largest gift ever) to start a program concentrating on green design. The donation established the Colvin Institute of Real Estate Development, which features courses in green design, adaptive reuse of old buildings, and energy-efficient structuring.

Baby Greens Shannon Delanoy had a hard time finding sweatshop-free clothing for her daughter Alice. So she started the Sweet Pepita, sweetpepita.etsy.com, baby clothing line last year. The line takes retro T-shirts and blends them with brightly colored, 100-percent organic cotton shipped from New Mexico. Kline makes shirts, dresses, scarves, bibs, and hats. She explains that most of the T-shirts that she alters come from thrift stores or friends’ closets, so some toddlers get adorned with a Guinness logo or Jimi Hendrix decal. A small price to pay for sustainability.

Earth-Friendly Art MICA professor Hugh Pocock first began offering his “Climate Change and Sustainability” class in the fall of 2007. The goal of the course is to educate students—in any major—about the science of global warming and the art of sustainable planning. The most ingenious part? All students are asked to do a carbon footprint project, where they calculate their own carbon footprint, document a simple way to reduce it, and develop an art project in response to their findings. In the spring semester, senior Annika Blomberg disassembled a found couch and reused all of its parts to make functional items, like handbags, boxes, cabinets, and buttons.

Organic Grocer Ideally, we’d do all our shopping at an organic grocery store, but we’d also like to, you know, pay our bills. That’s why My Organic Market (MOM), 7351 Assateague Drive #190, Jessup, 410-799-2175, is so appealing. The concept began in 1987 out of owner Scott Nash’s garage in Beltsville. Today, MOM has five retail locations—Rockville, College Park, Alexandria, Jessup, and Frederick—which sell organic food that a typical family on a budget can actually afford. And they walk the walk, too: The Jessup location, for example, features skylights, energy-efficient equipment, and a bamboo service desk.

SHOPPING

Accessories Has your accessory shopping gotten a little routine? Then head to Shine Collective, 1007A W. 36th Street, 410-366-6100, where the accessories are as vibrant and eclectic as the shoppers. We love that the bags, belts, and bangles that adorn the walls of this Hampden boutique are so effortlessly chic. The jewelry is particularly eye-catching: delicate Viv & Ingrid, intense Draugsvold, feminine Valentina Black, silly Alex & Chole. These are the kind of pieces that elicit the, “Oooh, where did you get that?” every time they’re worn.

Baby Shopping Destination We’d like to announce the arrival of Baltimore’s newest baby destination: Lauraville. Isn’t she precious? The northeast Baltimore neighborhood has quietly become a Mecca for tot friendly shops. Just follow the chalk drawings to Harford Road: Red Canoe, 410-444-4440, delivers a sweet selection of baby books;Bediboo, 410-444-6060, just might be the best baby boutique to hit Charm City; candy store Rock Candy, 443-919-4527, is a hot pink sugar rush; and Spinster Yarns & Fibers, 410-444-9276, sells that ultimate baby gift: the hand-knit sweater.

Bookstore The warmhearted, neighborly atmosphere of Ivy Bookshop, Lake Falls Village, 6080 Falls Road, 410-377-2966, is enough to make you want to curl up with a good book. (Well, you might want to wait until you’re back at home.) Since it moved a few doors down last January, the once cramped shop can now breathe a little. There’s more home and garden, more politics, more kids, more mystery . . . and more help. The dedicated staff will recommend or track down even the most remote of book club selections—and even offer your club a discount.

Children’s Clothing How to make mom happy? Fill a store with countless rows of the most adorable children’s threads and a playhouse to occupy her kids while she shops.The Pied Piper, The Village of Cross Keys, 32 Village Square, 410-435-2676, is stocked full of everything from pajamas to dress garments to play clothes. And for those Carrie Bradshaw’s-in-training, there’s Lacoste, Burberry, Juicy, and True Religion in wee sizes. Plus, lots of sweet layettes for little ones still getting the hang of this dressing thing.

Fancy Shoes The Little Shoebox, 7625 Bellona Avenue, Ruxton, 410-825-3191, is every party girl’s dream. Lining the shell-pink walls are clusters of kitten heels by Emma Hope, gem-encrusted mules by Olivia Rose Tal, and strappy sandals by Giusseppe Zanotti. Before you know it, you’ve chosen a pair for every cocktail dress you own. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

Fun Shoes Doubledutch Boutique, 3616 Falls Road, 410-554-0055, has always been our go-to place for playful accessories and colorful summer togs from hot indie labels like Mon Petit Oiseau. But one of its best-kept secrets is the affordable and funky shoes tucked in the back (just past the cutest check-out area ever). Some are gimmicky but fun (plastic Melissa Shoes) and some are simply irresistible (mini heels by Pink Studio), but all are leaving on our feet.

Handbags Nowadays, every boutique in town “dabbles” in handbags. We loveHandbags in the City, 840 Aliceanna Street, 410-528-1443, because they are almost exclusively all about handbags—and it shows. Michael Kors Collection, Badgely Mishka, Jill Stuart, Juicy Couture, Longchamp, and Roberto Cavalli, they’ve got it all. You want classic? Trendy? Outrageous? Shop no further. And while the store is guilty of a little wing-spreading itself (selling designer heels, sunglasses, and even some threads), it mostly sticks with what it knows best: bags, bags, and more bags.

Jeans Sunbleached, stonewashed, sandblasted, oh my. Finding a fantastic—and flattering—pair of jeans can be a chore. So, when we want to simplify our denim-hunt, we head straight to Jean Pool, 5616 Newbury Street, 410-466-1177. Once inside, ladies break to the left, and guys to the right. There’s denim from a ton of designers including Chip and Pepper, Aristocrat, Rich and Skinny, and Stitches. Plus, in-store alterations offering original hems. Owner Scott Wable and his staff have an amazing eye for what will fit your form and match your style.

Lingerie Our cup runneth over when it comes to quality lingerie shops in Baltimore. But oddly enough, our favorite shop is online. We simply can’t resist the beauty and sophistication of the European designs at A La Mod Body, alamodbody.com. Hometown girl Susan Rohr pounded the streets of Paris to find labels like Elise Aucouturier, Antonia Ghazlan, and Princesse Tam Tam. The prices are staggering, but so are the products like ultra hot chiffon lace chemises, Italian hipster panties, and fine silk robes. For those wary of click-and-point lingerie, make an appointment with Rohr at her private studio.

Locally Made Crafts Our hearts swell with B’more pride whenever we log onto The Baltimore Etsy Street Team’s site, baltimore-etsy.blogspot.com. This is a compilation of all the local designers and crafters who have pages on Etsy, the popular online marketplace. The talent is awe-inspiring. Some of our faves: TheBrokenPlate takes vintage and contemporary dinnerware and gives it new life as a necklace or ring. And vwstudios, where images on clay are created using a process that includes photography, painting, and printmaking.

Mall OK, so there’s no Anthropologie—yet. But the Westfield Annapolis Mall, 2002 Annapolis Mall, Annapolis, 410-266-5432, is worth the trek down 97 for countless other reasons. Sure, there’s the usual suspects—Gap, Banana Republic, et al.—but we like the stores we can’t find in our neck of the woods: Martin + Osa, Madewell 1937, and Under Armour. The Pottery Barn Kids makes us wish we were five again and the Lord & Taylor takes us back to the big department store heydays. Even its Cinnabon tastes better.

Men’s Threads Ken Himmelstein can blame his good taste on genetics. His grandfather, Samuel Parker, was known for his superb taste in clothing and worked as a haberdasher in the 20’s. Himmelstein’s tribute to his grandfather, Samuel Parker Clothier, Lake Falls Village, 6080 Falls Road, 410-372-0078, has that same élan. The rustic and sophisticated boutique is known for its friendly and highly knowledgeable service and features well-regarded labels like Polo Ralph Lauren, Hilditch & Key, and Robert Talbot. Plus, all those unnecessary necessities: bow ties and designer cowboy boots.

New Boutique Tucked in a far corner of the Cross Keys Village, a window display features small-mirrored boxes resting on a row of white pedestals, glistening brilliantly. Step closer and you realize that the boxes are, indeed, treasure chests, for they hold a most magnificent variety of precious gemstones of every size and color. Welcome todresscode by Gita, Village of Cross Keys, 36 Village Square, 410-323-9009, Baltimore’s newest designer jewelry and accessory boutique. With a rotating window display that’s artful, you can only imagine what happens inside—and trust us, you won’t be disappointed. Quite simply: dresscode by Gita, with her exclusive collection from more than 27 international designers, has raised the bar for Baltimore shopping.

New York Shopping Experience Walking through the heavy glass doors of Form, 1115 W. 36th Street, 410-889-3116, and across the shiny wood floors, beneath a line of crystal chandeliers that glow faintly against the grey-blue walls—it’s hard not to lose all sense of Hampden and imagine yourself on a different Avenue: Fifth. The racks burst with silky Rachel Mara and Vivienne Tam blouses, embellished Vera Wang Lavender and Corey Lynn Calter jackets, and Tracy Reese frocks. Sure, it’s expensive, but think of all that money you’re saving on a train ticket.

Preppy Clothes The Pink Crab, 7701 Bellona Avenue, Ruxton, 410-823-8544, is to pastel-colored polos what Chicago is to pizza. This is what preppy heaven must look like: endless rows of Lily Pulitzer florals, colorfully quilted Vera Bradley bags, and oh-so-trendy Eliza B flip flops. While most of the store is dedicated to women, there are also sundresses for kids, ties and sweaters for men, plus a few classic home goods. And yes, even Fido gets the preppy treatment with floral collars and leashes.

Shopping Neighborhood Slowly and steadily Federal Hill’s South Charles Streethas become the city’s hottest shopping destination. Old favorites like Lucky Lucy’s, 410-837-2121, The Gilded Peach, 410-685-9090, and Ladybugs & Fireflies, 410-244-0472, now share the tree-lined street with charming new shops: Whimsy | Reason, 410-234-0204, Babe, 410-244-5114, Amy’s Boutique, 410-244-1133, SoBotanical, 410-234-0333, The Bottom Drawer, 410-783-8998, Le Petit Cochon, 410- 528-6001, and many others. So what are you waiting for?

Sophisticated Frocks The grand dame herself no longer works the wood floors of her sumptuous glass-and-mirror boutique, Ruth Shaw Inc., 68 Village Square, 410-532-7886. But Shaw’s trendy, cosmopolitan style and trusted brand carries on with a dedicated staff (including new owner, longtime sales sensei Ray Mitchener) and client base. From elegant uptown looks by Trelise Cooper, Amina Rubinacci, Piazza Sempione, and Hanni Y., to more casual everyday styles by DKNY, Calypso, Common Thread, and Velvet, Shaw’s avant-garde collection continues to impress.

Trendy Clothes Holly G, two locations including 1340 A Smith Avenue, 410-433-3389, has breathed new life into two shopping districts—Federal Hill and Mt. Washington. The boutiques are enticing—even down to the warm citrus scent—and the clothes make us giddy. This classic shop carries smart lines including Velvet, Ixia, and Eva Franco. And we can’t get enough of the gorgeous day dresses, figure-flattering tops, and tailored slacks. There’s a great selection of denim and accessories, too.

Trendy Men’s Threads With a new crop of men’s shops in town, we thought it only appropriate to pay homage to one of the original trendsetters, Cloud 9 Clothing, 3201 St. Paul Street, 410-889-1330 (and other locations). Guys can browse for as long as the girls in sections devoted solely to fashionable, vintage-inspired menswear, including must-have lines like Penguin, Ben Sherman, Lucky Brand, Paul Frank, and Scotch & Soda. And if you’re the kind of guy who can’t justify splurging on clothes—the store features regular sales racks overflowing with name-brand markdowns.

Tween Gifts Because shopping for a tween is about as much fun as sitting through a High School Musical 2 marathon, we head to Treasure House, 9163 Reisterstown Road, Owings Mills, 410-363-4110. This cozy shop is literally stuffed with tween treasures: beach bags, bangles, and cool charms. There’s splurge stuff like jewelry by Pandora and send-to-camp stuff like headbands by Hadley Pollet. You—and the tween you love—will thank us.

Vintage Why do we love Ten Car Pile-Up, 511 York Road, Towson, 410-832-5246 (besides its disturbingly catchy name?) In a word, it’s groovy. With an extensive collection that includes sequined disco mini dresses, flowing hippy peasant shirts, peace-sign-patched men’s leather vests, and Elton John-inspired sunglasses, this vintage shop ranges from costumey to everyday garb—depending on your style. Shipments arrive daily, so you’ll have tons of dyn-o-mite styles to chose from, man.

Weekend Clothes For whimsical fashionistas who feel positively oppressed by the khaki-and-blue monotony of every-day office wear, Urban Outfitters, 301 Light Street, 410-685-3115, serves as a bottomless treasure chest for weekend attire. Grab an oversized tote from anywhere in the store (they’re hanging from every rack and hook in sight) and stuff it full of slim Fred Perry polos, lightweight Lux sundresses, patterned Sparkle & Fade camis, grandpa cardigans, funky Kimchi & Blue knit tops, plus shorts and skirts of every length and color. UO gives us wearable weekend styles reminiscent of former fads, as well as affordable pieces right in line with the latest rage.

Hostess Gifts Who would have thought gift nirvana could be found in a parking lot in Ellicott City? The Good Life Market, 3752 Old Columbia Pike, Ellicott City, 410-480-5077, is a two-part shopping spree. First, take in the quaint vine-covered greenhouse filled with outdoor goodies (strawberry plants, herb markers, birdhouses, posh gardening utensils) and surrounded by plants and waterfalls. Then, the adjacent rowhouse takes care of the inside stuff: Bella Cucina Artful Food and Wood Wick candles.

Stationers It’s shops like Chelle Paperie, 851W. 36th Street, 410-366-6333, that make us long for the good ol’ days. You know, when people used to write actual letters. Rachelle Harper’s Hampden boutique gives us hope. She custom designs everything from wedding invitations to baby announcements, but also offers greeting cards and modern business supplies from Russell & Hazel. We love the darling front window displays. A recent one, filled with toy birds and an old-fashioned bike, made us want to write Grandma.

Window Display Be careful not to bruise your face when pushing it against the windows of Red Tree, 921 W. 36th Street, 410-366-3456. Opened in October 2006, this home goods store is stuffed to the brim with some of our favorite items—but it’s the windows we’re truly addicted to. The displays change every eight to 12 weeks and are inspired by new merchandise. Everyone on staff contributes, even if it means hand-making 70 paper birds to hang from the ceiling, as manager Gary Godbey did for the spring window. When the mood of creativity strikes, it is all consuming, explains co-owner Kacey Buchanan Stafford: “We’ve stayed ’til two or three in the morning because we were all so inspired.”

SERVICE

Antique Store Dubey’s Art & Antiques, 807 N. Howard Street, 410-383-2881, dubeysantiques.com, a navigable collection of heirloom-quality antiques spanning three floors and four centuries is proof positive that Antique Row is making a comeback. What sets this 20-year-old operation apart is owner Philip S. Dubey’s obsession with the authentic. Dubey prides himself on collections of period American furniture, Chinese export porcelain, Dutch oil paintings, Japanese Imari ceramics, and English and Scottish curios. In addition, Dubey has a trained, knowledgeable, and friendly staff always eager to aid and abet with provenance and pricing.

Bath Store To design the bathroom of your dreams look no further than the 12,000-square-foot, multimillion dollar showroom of Ferguson, 302 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis, 410-573-6612 (and other locations). From a jacuzzi with an optional built-in coffee machine (!), to a shower with digitally timed his and hers spray jets, to a remote-controlled Kohler bidet toilet, to Hansgrohe faucets so gorgeous you’ll want to wash your hands before you even touch them—if you can’t find it at Ferguson, it simply doesn’t exist.

Carpet Store Say you spill wine on your brand new cream-colored carpet from Arcade Floors Carpet One Floor & Home, 8511 Loch Raven Boulevard, Towson, 410-668-7500, and the stain won’t come out. Or maybe you’ve just installed a new fuschia-colored carpet in your family room, and it clashes with that chintz sofa. Get this: At Arcade, if they can’t clean it or even if you have buyer’s remorse after the first few days, they will replace it free of charge. That kind of commitment to customer satisfaction is the hallmark of this 72-year-old business, which also has one of the largest selections of carpet, hardwood, laminate, and ceramic tile in the area.

Car Wash With its stainless steel and bright blue décor, eager-to-please staff, stacks of great magazines, and extensive list of “spa” services from hand waxing to shampooing to leather reconditioning, we could hang out all day at the newly renovated Auto Spa Hand Car Wash and Detail Center, 10117 York Road, Cockeysville, 410-683-7222. Our cars like it, too, as they’re transformed from road weary to just-off-the-assembly-line gleaming. One insider’s tip: Apply for a free Auto Spa VIP Club Card and get a 10 percent discount on all wash services, a free birthday wash (your birthday, not the car’s), and other extras.

Cobbler The place doesn’t look like much from the outside, but local fashionistas and well-heeled business types swear by Eugene’s Shoe Repair, 516 W. Coldspring Lane, 410-243-8874, for fast, high-quality repairs on anything from boots to baby shoes to that precious pair of Jimmy Choos. Ukranian owner Eugene Gomberg, who has been repairing shoes for 20 years, once even replaced a zipper on a customer’s jeep door! It’s a bargain to boot: A pair of soles is $45, for instance ($20 cheaper than most competitors). And with the price of new shoes these days, why not restore what’s already on your rack?

Custom Framing Whether it’s a favorite painting that begs for museum-quality framing, a historic family document that needs professional preservation, or that college diploma you’re anxious to hang prominently in your new office, Framin’ Place, 1350 Smith Avenue, 410-433-3434, comes through. Yes, they tend to be a little on the pricey side, but a staff of savvy art college grads, great personal service, plus meticulous attention to detail, makes it worth the investment. Your only challenge? Picking from the 4,000 frame samples and mats, from classic to contemporary, that the store has in stock.

Custom Tailor For 17 years, Steven Adelsberg, 410-580-2022, has been Baltimore’s tailor to the see-and-be-seamed set. He works for the Tom James company, the largest custom clothing manufacturer in the world. There’s no store to drive to—Adelsberg comes to you. Pick out a sartorially splendid CEO, Fortune 500 exec, or big-time managing partner in this town, and there’s a good chance Adelsberg is the man behind the cloth.

Dry Cleaner For convenience’s sake, most people prefer to find a dry cleaner in their own backyard. But the 18-year-old Rainbow Clean, 9946 York Road, Cockeysville, 410-667-0900, owned by the relentlessly cheerful Sue Piao, is actually worth the detour (and even the price of gas). Piao’s expertise with antique tablecloths and napkins, wedding gowns, gabardine suits, and designer dresses has clients ignoring the gas gauge from as far away as Abingdon and Ellicott City. The highest compliment? One client who moved to North Carolina several years back actually brings her dry cleaning back to Baltimore when she visits her daughter!

Electrician Vince Madden, Madden Electric, 729 S. Ellwood Avenue, 410-563-2076, has been plugged into the electrical needs of Baltimore for 20 years. Madden offers a wide array of services, including new construction and home addition wiring, upgrading service in older homes, wiring hot tubs, inspecting for dangerous wiring, and installing everything from security systems to generator panels to track lighting. Work ethics don’t get any better than this—Madden answers his own phone (even in the dead of night) and he and his fully licensed residential and commercial crews respond quickly to putting a little light back in your life.

>Floral Arranger Why settle for FTD’s carnations when you can order a show-stopping centerpiece with pink protea, horsetail reed, and brunia berries from Wicked Willow, 410-925-7990? While it’s hard to improve on Mother Nature, Wicked Willow’s abstract and sculptural pieces are as much a work of art as floral design. These one-of-a-kind creations don’t come cheap (a minimum arrangement is about $75) but will add a “wow” factor to any gift or interior. (Lluminaire and Red Door Spa are weekly clients).

Furniture Store In this day of mass-produced and cheaply constructed particle board furniture, it’s a breath of fresh air to find heirloom-quality, artisanal pieces at Harbor East’s recently opened Arhaus, 660 S. Exeter Street, 410-244-6376. In addition to using responsibly sourced wood and recyclables, Arhaus carries a diversity of styles in furniture and accessories for every room of the house. A hand-forged iron bed, an Old World hand-painted armoire, a solid mango wood Colonial-style dining table—whatever your design leanings, Arhaus will make your house the prettiest one in the ‘hood.

Garden Store Year in, year out, we search for a new winner in this category, but no matter where we go, all roads seem to lead back to Valley View Farms, 11035 York Road, Cockeysville, 410-527-0700. With unbeatable prices and service—not to mention a great choice of trees and shrubs, annuals and perennials, veggie plants, fish ponds, and planting accessories from topsoil to trowels—Valley View is in a class by itself. Oh, and in case you hadn’t heard, it’s also a favorite holiday stop for Christmas trees and decorations.

Groomer Just like her human stylist counterparts, Kerrie Grudziecki, Reisterstown Boarding Kennel Pet Resort and Spa, 14454 Old Hanover Road, Reisterstown, 410-833-2090, has a full book of appointments. Bring your pooch in for a wash, a nail clipping, a coat conditioning, or a special anti-shedding treatment, and Fido will look Westminster-ready. Grudziecki, who is great at calming nervous first timers, also offers the latest in pet grooming—a special spa treatment that includes a facial and paw scrub, a massage and vitamin-enhanced conditioner. The ultimate seal of approval? Even her most clipper-shy clientele always wag a tail when they see her.

Hardware Store Sure, if you’re certain it’s a left-handed brass wing nut you need, you can go to the big-box home stores and save $1.70 (after standing in the self-checkout behind the guy who just bought 27 bags of cement and some PVC piping). But if you want to take the “hard” out of hardware shopping, head to Stebbins Anderson, 802 Kenilworth Drive, Towson, 410-823-6600, where you’ll get professional advice from some old-timers who really know about construction, plumbing, tools, and electrical matters. While you’re there, check out Stebbins excellent patio furniture selection, birdhouses, hammocks, and housewares on the upper level.

Home Theater Store Stargate Cinema, 3455 Sweet Air Road, Phoenix, 410-667-3517, stargatecinema.com, is not your ordinary home theater store. For starters, most clients order their theater seats, popcorn machines, lighting, signage, movie art, and game-room goodies from the store online, without ever visiting the showroom. This local startup, owned and operated by Ken and Mary Lerch (and once run out of their basement!), is growing at warp speed. With online orders ranging up to $50,000 a pop, and more than 7,500 products (at near-wholesale prices) to choose from, Stargate is one of the largest home-theater accessory retailers in the galaxy.

Interior Design The venerable Gaines McHale has long set the standard for the finest in European antiques, so lucky for us, owner Jean McHale decided to open an interior design firm, GMI Design, 700 S. Caroline Street, 443-524-0036, on the second floor of the furniture showplace. Whether GMI is designing a contemporary space for Jim Palmer’s city apartment or having its way with a floor plan in a Beacon Hill, MA manse, McHale and her talented staff of designers have a knack for blending comfort and timeless beauty.

Kitchen Store Home Goods, 9616 Reisterstown Road, Owings Mills, 410-902-4435, has everything you need to stock your kitchen at bargain basement prices, but prepare for the hunt. There’s lots of inventory on the shelves—pots and pans, glassware, fine china—but if you really take your time to trawl for treasures, you’ll find some standout items such as a $7 Japanese ceramic saki set, hand-painted Italian dinner plates for $5.99, even a German steel Henckels chef’s knife for $12.99. Home Goods may not have the froufrou factor of other such shops, but if you buy your wares here, you’ll be the happiest frugal gourmet on the block.

Painters At 16, Steve Zemanek became an understudy of the now-retired master Werner Hauger. About 20 years later, Zemanek took over Werner Hauger Painting, 410-491-1202, and his handiwork can be seen in Guilford, Roland Park, Homeland, and Greenspring Valley. Zemanek’s perfectionist credo—”You do the job 100 percent the right way, or you don’t do it all”—explains why his business can boast it’s made The State House, Government House, Hampton Mansion, Carroll Mansion, and countless other historic properties just a little bit more beautiful.

Pest Control Getting rid of unwanted house guests is the business of brothers Bob, Ken, and Tom Collins, owners of Accurate Termite and Pest Control, 8000 Philadelphia Road, 410-574-2661. The siblings began the business 21 years ago because they wanted to bring a level of integrity to a sometimes shady field: “There are a lot of shenanigans out there in the pest-control business,” says Ken Collins. “We went out on our own because we wanted to treat people honestly, and that’s why we’ve been successful.” Loyal customers with annual maintenance schedules swear by them, and they are the critter-busters of choice for many restaurants in Baltimore’s Best Restaurants listings (no, we’re not telling who).

Place for Bric-a-Brac You won’t need a passport to buy handmade home accessories from developing countries such as the Congo, Haiti, India, or Burkina Faso at Ten Thousand Villages, 1621 Thames Street, 410-342-5568. The store is actually a nonprofit organization that represents more than 130 artisans in 36 countries. From artisanal baskets hand-woven in Uganda to hand-painted wooden boxes from Indonesia and crocheted coasters from Bangladesh, Ten Thousand Villages is a retail pioneer that has been practicing fair-trade since 1946, long before it became trendy.

Place to Furnish on a Budget If you enjoy the hunt for unique items, you’ll love the five well-stocked warehouses of Second Chance Inc., 1645 Warner Street, 410-385-1101. A recent jaunt turned up some great finds including a mint condition 1920’s French armoire, a handmade Afghan rug, Victorian-era chairs, and a shelving unit deconstructed from the set of The Wire. The nonprofit Second Chance also believes in giving low-income Baltimoreans a second chance by training them in carpentry, craftsmanship, and construction.

Place to Get Your House Wired Your search for high-tech home-wiring wizardry is over. Give a call to Ron Strickland’s Mt. Airy-based Strickly Digital, 240-235-0641, stricklydigital.com, which has built a rep for fast, professional, and fairly priced work on everything from wireless and satellite hookups to broadband Internet, home theater, and stereo installation.

Professional Organizer Need help letting go of your childhood tiddly wink collection?Amy Rehkemper, Simplify Organizing LLC, 410-370-4109, can help free you from the clutches of clutter. Rehkemper, who has appeared on HGTV’s Mission: Organization, can work with you for a few hours in a single session or help you organize weekly. Unlike many services that leave you with the pile to donate to Goodwill, Rehkemper hauls it all away and distributes it to worthy charities such as House of Ruth and the SPCA. “I’m a modern day Robin Hood, taking away things that have become hazardous in my client’s lives,” sums up Rehkemper, “and delivering it to charities and people in need.”

Sunroom Builder You can’t beat the artistry and quality of the gazebos, pool houses, and sunrooms created by Tanglewood Conservatories, 15 Engerman Avenue, Denton, 800-229-2925, tanglewoodconservatories.com. Tanglewood is one of only a handful of conservatory builders in the United States, and, fortunately for us, it’s located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. With copper cupolas, soaring skylights, stained glass panels, fluted pilasters, and state-of-the-art engineering, Tanglewood’s designs invoke the beauty and grace of the late 1800’s and will add a note of elegance to any site.

Tableware Store We could name drop all day—Vera Wang, Hermès, Spode, Saint-Louis, ahhhh—but trendy or timeless, Radcliffe Jewelers, 1848 Reisterstown Road, 410-484-2900, is 25,000 square feet of home décor heaven. Prices are on the higher end (between $80 and $350 for a five-piece place setting), but the luxest of the luxe is never cheap. Also, if you’re willing to wait, the store’s annual holiday show is the stuff of legends, with rock bottom prices on select items made by Baccarat, Lladro, Lalique, and plenty more.

Window Treatments Your room will go from ordinary to exceptional with handmade curtains from Christopher Bitter’s new Palette, 3528 Chestnut Avenue, 443-682-7523, in the heart of Hampden. Bitter’s curtains—Roman valances, balloon shades, floor-length shears with pleats—are so pretty you might be tempted to pull a Scarlett O’Hara and wear them to your next dinner party. Bitter does it the old-fashioned way with a simple Singer sewing machine, a measuring tape, bolts of fabric, and a few rolls of tassels and trims. Bring in a picture of what you want or give Bitter carte blanche to create something to suit your taste and style.

Linens Strolling though The House Downtown, 524 E. Belvedere Avenue, 410-464-1440, with its fluffy, puffy, pillow-covered beds is like walking through a waking dream. It isn’t just the store’s superior stock of 400-thread count sheets, matelassé duvet covers, dotted Swiss shams, and crisp linen bed skirts by Legacy and Peacock Alley that makes us swoon with pleasure. We also love the savvy staff and design team willing to make house calls for even the simplest of requests, such as helping us choose which duvet or upholstered headboard will go best with our freshly painted boudoir.

Party Staffer There’s nothing worse than throwing a dinner party and then working the graveyard shift to clean the spinach dip off your Lenox. Next time, consider hiring Beck-n-Call Event Services, 15635 Falls Road, 410-472-2526. Owner Tammie Monaco, the former director of catering at The Brass Elephant, will provide servers and bartenders for your romantic dinner for two or that 150-person wedding in your tented backyard. Monaco’s resume is star-studded—in her college years, she spent summers in the Hamptons at the beck and call of Kim Basinger and Alec Baldwin (in, uh, happier times), Rudy Giuliani, and Jimmy Buffett.

Pet Store Howl, 3531 Chestnut Avenue, 410-235-2469, is like a Whole Foods for pets. Five years ago, when owner Robin McDonald sought healthier options for her sensitive-stomached Weimaraner, Harper, there were none. So McDonald opened her own store with all-natural everything—from chicken and apple chews to wheat-based cat litter. Howl—formerly Chow, Baby!—also offers services, including nail-clipping on the first Saturday of each month and a first-rate obedience school for dogs. Look for animal acupuncture and monthly educational seminars to come soon. “My goal,” says McDonald, “is to help people be better pet owners.”

Residential Landscaper It’s not the biggest operation in town, nor the one that has reaped the most awards for mega-bucks renovations, but 75-year-old Green Fields Nursery and Landscaping, 5424 Falls Road, 410-323-3444, is our choice for the homeowner who wants professional landscaping and personal service from folks with an eye for design and a knack for helping new trees and plants thrive. General Manager Pete Bieneman’s three construction crews specialize in urban gardens, courtyards, wooded areas, and terraces (think hilly Roland Park and Mt. Washington).

INDULGE

Estrogen Heaven In the last few years, Baltimore has seen a real renaissance in the chocolate world, and trust us when we say we’ve tried ’em all. With all this choice, we still have a sweet spot for Hampden’s Ma Petite Shoe, 832 W. 36th Street, 410-235-3442. You see, owner Susannah Siger quells our cravings with not just an impressive selection of melt-in-your-mouth, high-quality, hard-to-find European chocolates, but the latest and greatest in designer shoes as well. Ladies, resistance is futile.

Barbershop There’s nothing like a fresh shave and a haircut to make a guy feel good. Throw in some cigars, a shoeshine, and a little Frank Sinatra, and now we’re talking. It was in that spirit that Craig Martin opened the decidedly old-school Quinntessential Gentleman, 31 S. Calvert Street, 410-685-7428, in the fall of 2005. With hot towels, warm lather, a straight razor, and after-shave balm, QG offers the best shave in town. Services such as beard trims, brow waxing, and yes, manicures are so much more pleasant when you’re holding a complimentary espresso in one hand and a beer bottle in the other.

Blowout With a blow dryer, a round brush, and a way of taming even the wildest of manes into perfect position, Uno (née Unal Tuluoglu) of Uno, The Salon, 10751 Falls Road, 410-821-9080, is our town’s Hair Whisperer. We’re not sure how he does it, but no matter how thick or thin, frizzy or smooth, curly or straight, Uno knows exactly what brushes to use and what products to spray to make his clients look runway ready.

Body Products Don’t say we didn’t warn you: One step into bluemercury, 200 E. Pratt Street, 410-576-9090, and your whole day is shot. Effervescent salespeople are happy to answer all questions and shower you with free samples. (After all, you have to try products to know they work, right?) This national chain—which came to Baltimore in October 2006—specializes in hard-to-find labels, but also carries a beauty junkie’s tried-and-true favorites such as Trish McEvoy, Frederic Fekkai, Bliss, and Bumble & Bumble. And if you’re tuckered from all that retail therapy, no harm in trying out one of bluemercury’s legendary facials.

Cosmetics Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but makeup is a close second. So swing by Hunt Valley’s Ulta, 118 Shawan Road, Hunt Valley (and other locations), 410-527-9960, for a beauty wonderland guaranteed to make you smile. With locations coast to coast, this mega store sells everything from Bare Escentuals to Stila and Smashbox, as well as a great assortment of accessories including Kabuki blush brushes and precision eye curlers.

Culinary Indulgence Nothing beats the legendary black truffle with a dollop of caviar from Eddie’s of Roland Park, 6213 N. Charles Street, 410-377-8040. Although these extravagant delights can be special-ordered year-round (when available), during the Christmas season, the high-end supermarket’s Charles Street location actually carries the sacred black truffle, known as much for its earthy flavor as its hefty price tag (last year, it ran about $375 per pound). Throughout the year, caviar-savvy shoppers also flock to Eddie’s for some of the best domestic caviar money can buy. The tiny eggs fly off the shelves during the holidays, so stock up—and then sit back and sigh.

Facial If Ponce de Leon had experienced the 24-karat gold facial at Mt. Washington Spa, 1600 Kelly Avenue, 410-664-3400, he would have discovered the Fountain of Youth here in Baltimore. The facial, in which sheets of gold leaf are massaged into the face, is purported to tighten, brighten, and turn back the hands of time (well, at least temporarily). Mt. Washington Spa is one of the few spas in town to offer this exclusive service and owner Vesna Stojanovic sets the standard with her Midas touch.

Inexpensive (But Fabulous) Haircut In this day of fast-track salons, Shear Classic, 5004 Lawndale Avenue, 410-435-6646, is a throwback to simpler times (and simpler prices) and walk-ins are welcome. At this tiny Roland Park beauty nook, you won’t need to work a night job to afford the latest in cut, color, and chemical treatments, but you won’t sacrifice quality. Men’s cuts start at $15 and women’s cuts start at $22. “This is the kind of place where you can come wet from the pool or in sweatpants,” says owner Lynn Foltz. “It’s not the kind of place where you need to wear your Sunday best.”

Makeup Artist There’s a reason why it takes three months to book an appointment with salon co-owner Dean Krapf, Lluminaire Salon, 15 W. Allegheny Avenue, 410-583-1500. Krapf began his journey to the upper echelons of Charm City beauty 25 years ago doing hair, but, after a decade, he added makeup artistry to his bag of tricks. Not only does Krapf use top-shelf cosmetics (some exclusive lines from Japan, as well as standards such as Chanel lipgloss and Dior mascara), he gladly schedules makeup lessons to teach the basics, perfects age-appropriate looks, and helps “edit” cosmetic routines (hint: less is more).

Manicure What makes Moldovan-born Zena Fox, Zena’s Spa and Salon, 1014 N. Charles Street, 410-783-1971, a great manicurist? A relaxing, massaging, polishing experience, some good conversation, a caring attitude, and polish that doesn’t chip before your parking meter expires. It’s no wonder that tastemasters, such as designer Rita St. Clair, flock to get groomed by this former art student. What’s more, Zena offers one of the best manicure perks we’ve ever encountered—instead of reading two-year-old issues of Us while waiting for your Essie to dry, you can use the treadmill or bike for free at the adjoining Mt. Vernon Fitness!

Manscaping All you men who feel like you’re missing out on the chance to get waxed, fret not. “Manscaping” (or body hair removal for men) is all the rage, and the folks at FX Studios, 11270 Pepper Road, Hunt Valley, 410-771-1500, have a way of making it . . . fun? Okay, at least you’ll be distracted—with movies (Indiana Jones, Death at a Funeral), complementary ice cream, “floating hosts” who serve drinks, and enough flatscreens to make you an honorary Nielsen member. And rest assured, discretion is paramount. Let’s face it, when you’re getting your back waxed, it’s not like you want the whole world to know about it.

Massage One thing you won’t smell walking through the door of ReNew Organic Day Spa, 843 W. 36th Street, 410-400-2745, is chemicals. Instead, expect the essence of orange or the aroma of lavender. Co-owner and massage therapist Sherrie Tennessee—a former Johns Hopkins researcher—knows the human body like, well, the back of her hand. Tennessee incorporates Native American hot stone massage and aromatherapy into the green getaway’s signature massage.

Pampering For Your Pooch Going out of town and worried that, for your little Toto, there’s no place like home? Then head to PetSmart’s PetHotel, 9041 Snowden River Parkway, Columbia, 410-312-4890. This state-of-the-art pet hotel—with its airy atriums and suites, hypoallergenic lambskin beds, and caring staff—has all the amenities you’d expect in a fancy hotel, including a “Pawsgress Report” and a “Bone Booth” (so you can phone in and talk to your buddy). In addition to a 24-hour on-site pet hospital, it even offers “room service” and in-suite movies such as Lady and the Tramp and Lassie. As far as we know, there’s no mini-bar.

Pedicure Get ready to be waited on hand and especially foot when you book an appointment at Salon Laurie & Company, 5910 Falls Road, 410-464-1500, for a pedicure. Our favorite is the “Ten” pedicure, featuring, you guessed it, 10 rejuvenating ingredients including African cacao extract, caviar age control complex, white truffle oil, and champagne grape seed oil. Pedicurist Kathy Mojica, who works out of a private room, is attentive to your every need, and a brie and fresh fruit snack is served under a domed crystal dish during the soak-and-polish portion of the experience. Included in the price ($60) is a caviar body emulsion cream to take home.

Personal Trainer Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or an exercise neophyte,Meadow Mill Athletic Club Fitness and Wellness director Jon A. Kaplan, 3600 Clipper Mill Road, 410-235-7000, will custom develop your perfect exercise routine. Kaplan is a friend, therapist, confidante, and trainer all in one fit package, which is exactly how he keeps clients from falling off the exercise wagon. “My whole philosophy is to keep people moving,” says Kaplan, who has 22 years in the industry. “You need to get people to show up at the gym, and the way to do that is by connecting to them.”

Place To Buy A Fur Coat While fur might fly at the suggestion, there’s nothing that spells luxury like a mink coat (just ask Mayor Dixon). At Mano Swartz, 10801 Falls Road, 410-825-9000, you’ll find classic full-length minks and foxes, hip Persian lamb jackets and sable stoles, fur-trimmed gloves and cashmere wraps, and even a selection of fur coats for men. Have a puffy-sleeved, full-length fox from your Dynasty days? Swartz can reshape it into a trendy, swing car coat and make a matching pocket book, pillow, or even a teddy bear with the scraps.

Spa Getaway With the arrival of the luxe Red Door Spa, The Village of Cross Keys, 42 Village Square, 410-323-3636, four years ago, red became our new favorite color. From the minute you enter through the bright red doors of this Elizabeth Arden spa, you’ll be transported by the zen décor and soft-spoken staff, waiting to tend to your every luxury need. And whether you stay for an antioxidant facial, an abhyanga and shiatsu massage, an olive oil pedicure, or a seaweed body wrap, it’s like leaving town without the hassle of airport security.

Wellness Center If heaven is on earth, we found it at Ojas Wellness Center, 1501 Sulgrave Avenue (and other locations), 410-664-OJAS, a blissfully tranquil, eco-friendly oasis offering a million and one ways to unwind. Ojas has it all, including Five Element Acupuncture, massage therapy, Reformer Pilates, organic skincare, and yoga classes for every skill level. In the ever-expanding world of wellness centers, the expert staff—trained in everything from Vinyasa and Iyengar yoga to Reiki massage and Chakra balancing—will help you to achieve your goal, be it inner peace, chronic pain relief, or a flatter tummy.

Limo Service For most of us, limo service is a rare treat. So if you’re gonna do it, do it right. Zbest Limousine, 6809 Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie, 410-768-1148, provides upscale vehicles—think stretched Hummers and Escalades—for everyone from President Bush to the Prime Minister of Turkey. The place virtually never closes, with drivers on standby and operators ready to take reservations 24/7. As for brides-to-be? Says general manager George Rains: “Our drivers cater to the bride. We’re going to be right there with you, whether you need a Tic Tac or a button sewn on.” Now that’s service.

Upscale Haircut Baltimore is a town with an embarrassment of great stylists, but lately those in the know have been flocking to Yolanda Carr, La Salon De Beaute, 105 Old Court Road, Pikesville, 410-484-2890. With its relaxed vibe and cozy, homespun interior, La Salon de Beaute is as unassuming as it gets. But Carr’s clients could care less about décor—they’re here because she can help them morph from blah to beautiful with a wave of her Hikari Japanese shears or a soupçon of artfully applied golden highlights.

FUN

Cocktail It’s tempting to believe a replica of the Capital Grille’s winsome signature cocktail, Stoli doli, Capital Grille, 500 E. Pratt Street, 443-703-4064, could be mixed anywhere. With just two ingredients in the upscale chain’s succulent pineapple martini, what’s the big deal? How ’bout this: The Inner Harbor location receives its pineapples 48 hours after they’re picked in Maui, then promptly slices them into thick bricks and stows them in vats of Stoli vodka for two weeks. After two more weeks of refrigerated marinating, the pineappletinis are doled out for $11.95 a pop. Steep, we know, but try just one and you’ll be sold (and possibly a little sloshed).

‘Burbs Bar Atmospheres as bland and stale as the food they serve plague many suburban bars. If zippy one-word chains in strip mall parking lots aren’t your thing—and we’re quite sure they’re not—drive over to Rams Head Tavern, 8600 Foundry Street, Savage, 301-604-3454, for a taste of the genuine. Housed in a 19th-century foundry that oozes character, the downstairs Rathskeller pub provides the perfect pitch of darkness, the bar’s top-notch Fordham beer on tap, and Rams Head’s legendary $2.50 happy hour drafts with free food buffet. There’s a pool table and a few TVs. Plus, the bartenders aren’t required to wear any pieces of flair.

Closer-Than-You-Think Recreation Spot It’s a wild and wonderful fact: Harpers Ferry, harpersferrywv.net, and its myriad recreational options is just an hour-plus drive from Baltimore. Seventy miles (mostly on I-70) is all that separates us from some of the best tubing, rafting, hiking, hunting, and fishing in our area. The confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers provides a perfect spot for water activities ranging from the lackadaisical (tubing) to the intense (kayaking). World class hiking is available on the famous Appalachian Trail. We smell a day trip.

Federal Hill Bar For Grown-Ups The first eye-opener on a typical night at Regi’s American Bistro, 1002 Light Street, 410-539-7344, is the demographic of the customers—diners and imbibers actually born before the Carter administration. That’s not to say the place is stodgy or stuffy. Anything but. An adventurous menu features monstrous salads and adult takes on kids’ classics. The tater tots are stuffed with melted brie cheese and applewood bacon. There’s music on the stereo–more likely Radiohead than a crooner from the Rat Pack–but the tunes play at a volume that actually encourages conversation. Bless you, Regi’s.

Gym If you were a member of the MAC Harbor East, 655 President Street, Suite 200, 410-625-5000, you might actually look forward to working out. The vibe in this gleaming new facility is more spa than gym. Technology is omnipresent: Every piece of cardio equipment is fitted with a flat-screen TV and iPod jack, and there are computers with Internet access in the lobby, so after you burn off those calories you can check your body mass index (or order a pizza). Four pools, four squash courts, plus studios for kinesis, yoga, Pilates, and boxing offer members virtually every exercise option under the sun. Here’s the kicker: The place even smells good.

Hangout For A First Daughter Despite her strong Republican lineage, Jenna Bush (whoops, make that Hager), has never seemed overtly political. The same can be said of Federal Hill’s popular watering hole, Ropewalk Tavern, 1209 S. Charles Street, 410-727-1298. A Ronald Reagan statue stands proudly over a bronze elephant in the corner of the back bar, and the menu features The Gipper, “Named after the Patron Saint!”—but the lively tavern is an unpretentious gathering place fit for both right and left leaners. Indeed, Ropewalk takes its cue from a poster hanging near the front bar touting the 2008 candidacy of Ronald Reagan and his running mate, Natty Boh. “Everybody loves a good party.”

Happy Hour Perhaps no societal institution is more aptly named than happy hour, that precious time when workday worries are washed away. RA Sushi, 1390 Lancaster Street, 410-522-3200, a new oh-so-hip sushi restaurant/bar/lounge in Harbor East offers its own Eastern-infused twist on these three hours of bliss with major deals on fresh fish and libations. Eight-piece orders of California rolls are only $3.25, tender spicy tuna just a few quarters more. RA’s happy hour, week–days from 4 to 7, features one of the greatest deals in all of Baltimore drinking: $1 hot sake.

Hiking Spot Each summer, thousands flock to Oregon Ridge Park, oregonridge.org, to enjoy concerts, barbecues, picnics, and playgrounds. But beyond the park’s well-known face spans a body of more than 1,000 acres, which offers some of the most pleasurable hiking trails in the region. Start at the Nature Center to pick up a map of the nine primary routes (and be sure to check out the turtles). The clearly-marked trails range in length from the Iron Mine Gray Trail (at .18 mile) to the Loggers Red (at 1.6 miles), and are all accessible even for the outdoorsman who spends most of his time indoors.

Neighborhood Bar Like that mythic Boston basement bar that never ran dry of beer or buddies, Hull Street Blues, 1222 Hull Street, 410-727-7476, is the type of low-key joint where everybody seems to know your name. Chock full of customers who’ve been coming for years, the cozy tavern offers a warm and inviting environment for newbies as well as regulars. Shuffleboard, a solid jukebox, and friendly bartenders and patrons make the place just right for a bustling Friday or a laidback weeknight.

New Bar The secret’s out. Every time we step into Annabel Lee Tavern, 601 S. Clinton Street, 410-522-2929, it’s more crowded than the last. The Tiffany lamps behind the bar, the dark-red color scheme, and the 40’s and 50’s jazz and big band tunes give the place the feel of an old friend’s living room. Owner Kurt Bragunier runs the place with a smile on his what-has-to-be tired face. People seem to love the Edgar Allan Poe-themed bar’s homey charm. Or maybe they’re just addicted to the sweet potato fries, served piping hot and doused in cayenne and brown sugar.

No-Frills Bar Stroll into Dougherty’s Irish Pub, 223 W. Chase Street, 410-752-4059, and you’ll immediately be struck by its breathtaking, well, ordinariness—but that’s exactly what makes it so special. Never too crowded, never too vacant, this not-so-Irish pub harkens back to a long-gone era when bars didn’t feel the need to pass themselves off as the place to be, they just needed to be. Its menu sports refreshingly simple options like a cloak and dagger sandwich (no, it wasn’t invented by Royal Farms) for around $6. Plastic pitchers of domestic beer don’t cost much more—and be sure to check the chalkboard behind the bar for specials.

Oriole Legend Boog Powell seems to grow larger—in stature, and otherwise—every year. The product of an era when the players were just like us, working class guys who lived, ate, and drank in the same places we did, Powell’s achievements on the field can be overshadowed by his outsized personality off it. He smacked 339 homers (and 11 triples!) during his career, which included two championship seasons. These O’s could use a Boog or three—not just his bat, but his zest as well. Luckily for us, his presence still looms large at the Yard, where he’s often dishing out barbecue and visiting with fans, embodying the best that Baltimore baseball has offered through the years.

Oriole Newbie Call him Lord of the Flat Brim. His trademark: closing out Orioles wins while wearing a hat that looks like it hasn’t been touched since it left the factory. With brim meeting bird logo at a 90-degree angle, George Sherrill has owned the ninth inning since coming to Baltimore from Seattle in an off-season trade. Teammates and fans delight in flipping up their brims to honor his duckbill platypus cap style after he closes out a victory, something he’s done 23 times at press time. Here’s hoping he’ll keep breaking opponents’ bats, while never breaking in his hat.

Public Golf Course Links-style golf commonly is associated with Scotland, birthplace of the sport. Flat courses with few water hazards or trees, links tracks usually are set by the sea or—in the case of Compass Pointe, 9010 Fort Smallwood Road, Pasadena, 410-255-7764—by the Chesapeake Bay. The course features 36 holes (divided into four nines) spread over 800 acres that challenge golfers of varying skill by demanding accuracy and imagination. The facility is kept in immaculate shape, and its driving range has plenty of mats to ensure you’ll seldom be crowded. Greens fees range from $30 to $70 (be sure to check the Web specials).

Raven Set aside, for the moment, the prestigious Johnny Unitas Tops in Courage Award that Ravens director of player development O.J. Brigance received in March, and take note of what already sits proudly in his trophy case: the Unsung Hero Award, the Winston/Shell Award (given annually to the most innovative player development director), the Ed Block Courage Award, and don’t forget that Super Bowl XXXV ring. Since being diagnosed with ALS, Brigance has refused to let the disease sideline or even sidetrack him. He shows up to work every day with a smile on his face, resolve in his step, and faith in his heart. Ravens president Dick Cass sums it up simply: “He is an inspiration to all of us.”

Smokers’ Paradise This year has been rough on more than just the lungs of Baltimore’s smokers. They’ve been scorned, ostracized, and driven from bars onto the streets like some sort of carcinogen-spewing lepers. But the marriage of two classic vices can’t be killed overnight, so it was only a matter of time before bars adapted to the new anti-smoking law. The outdoor courtyard between Tsunami and Lemongrass, 1300 Bank Street, 410-327-7835, offers an admittedly hazy first glimpse into this future. Under a lattice roof, a large Buddha looms over a half bar (shots and beer), and the space is filled with comfortable wooden chairs and booths, and even large heaters. This is the last bastion of nicotine, and as anyone in this smokers’ Shangri-La will tell you, it’s just what the doctor ordered.

Sports Bar More neighborhood bar than jock hut, NcDevin’s, 801 S. Decker Street, 410-276-0600, is a relatively meat-head-free environment. The games are important here, but when the war on the field (actually, on one of NcDevin’s 16 TVs) ends, enemies (Steelers fans are known to populate the place) strike a truce and exalt in booze and some of the best bar food around. (Try the fried pickles.) The always-friendly bartenders are more than willing to work with you to find your game, and the bar even carries sports television’s twin white whales, the Big Ten Network and ESPNU.

Urban Sporting Goods Store What could be more important to the young city-dwelling athlete than looking good while working out? City Sports, 809 Aliceanna Street, 410-837-4420, to the rescue. Not only does it sell its seriously cute signature logo T-shirt, there’s a dizzying array of supplies for sports, running from the mainstream (basketball, tennis, and running) to the more niche (skateboarding, badminton). Along with the requisite Ray Lewis jerseys, there’s an impressive selection of watches and sunglasses in display cases up front.

Wire bar When Detective Lester Freamon (Clarke Peters) confronts hand-in-the-cookie-jar Senator Clay Davis (Isiah Whitlock Jr.) in the penultimate episode of The Wire, he meets the corrupt pol at a silky smooth north Baltimore bar. Of the several local nightspots in which Wire creator David Simon shot, New Haven Lounge, 1552 Havenwood Road, 410-366-7416, is the grooviest. Old school and understatedly cool, like Freamon himself, murals of musical legends adorn the walls, and jazz bands set up shop in the middle of the small club Friday and Saturday nights, playing at the perfect pitch. As one fan said of the space, “It’s like living in the album.”

Urban Sports Organization “Serene” is not a word most people associate with the water of the Inner Harbor. Sickening might be more like it. Regardless of what lies beneath, anyone who’s paddled a kayak from Canton to Locust Point as the sun sets on a warm summer night knows the experience is downright blissful. Canton Kayak Club, cantonkayakclub.com, offers 60-plus kayaks docked at multiple locations throughout the city, providing a hassle-free passage to the sport. For $135 a season, members get a training course and unlimited use of the kayaks. No reservations are necessary, just show up and plop down into a kayak, and prepare to feel the stress flow from your body.

ARTS

Band Beach House, the local duo of Alex Scally and Victoria Legrand, crafts lush, understated chamber pop infused with dreamy warmth. His fuzzy guitars, vintage drum machines, and trembling keyboards waltz blissfully around her bittersweet vocals on the group’s second disc, Devotion. Gorgeously produced by Rob Girardi, it lit up the blogosphere and got love from the likes of Rolling Stone and The New York Times.

Actress Of the many notable roles in The Wire, none was more peculiar and distinctive than Felicia Pearson‘s “Snoop.” Discovered by cast member Michael K. Williams (Omar) in a Baltimore club, Pearson brought an androgynous and nuanced ambiguity to her role that elevated it far beyond that of a typical street killer. “Snoop” didn’t look, or sound, like anyone else on television. Let’s hope she’ll be able to find decent work, post-Wire.

CD Peabody’s Manuel Barrueco snagged a Grammy nomination for last year’s Solo Piazzolla, his take on compositions by tango master Astor Piazzolla. This year, the acclaimed guitarist upped the ante by adding strings (the Cuarteto Latinoamericano) to his Piazzolla interpretations. The resulting disc, the sublime Tango Sensations, bleeds every bit of emotion from Piazzolla’s evocative compositions, as it migrates from classical tour de force to crossover gem.

Cultural Event On a cold Monday afternoon in February, the First Mariner Arena was filled with a crowd that looked like a cross-section of Baltimore’s population—in terms of race, gender, age, and economics—which, outside of Artscape, rarely occurs in this city. People were mingling, chatting, and smiling, as songs by Stevie Wonder and Neil Diamond boomed over the P.A. The atmosphere was festive, like before a concert or sporting event, but these people were actually there to hear a guy talk politics for an hour. And no matter how you felt about Barack Obama’s speech, the cultural significance of such a diverse gathering was undeniable.

Documentary The Tinklers create deceptively simple art—songs, paintings, books, and performance pieces—that, because of its nuance, would seem to be a poor match for a straightforward documentary. But Brian Averill’s Everybody Loves the Tinklers uses rare performance footage and insightful interview clips to get at the genius behind two wildly creative guys (Charles Brohawn and Chris Mason) who, among other things, play rubber band guitars and wrench xylophones and sing songs about the library. Averill nails the timeless wisdom at the heart of The Tinklers work and doesn’t shy from its utter delight.

Free Concert Series There’s an unlikely venue tucked away in the woods behind Catonsville Senior High School, and each summer, it hosts a remarkable line-up of performers. This year’s Lurman Woodland Theatre Summer Concert Seriesincludes Deanna Bogart, Charles “Big Daddy” Stallings, Bayside Big Band, Carl Filipiak, Pan American Rhythm Project, St. Charles String Quartet, Junkyard Saints, and many others. The acts are first rate, the theater is shaded, and most impressively, it’s free.

Genius Move Maestra Marin Alsop won the prestigious MacArthur “genius” grant in 2005. So what is the BSO music director doing with the final grant installment of $100,000? She’s using it to found OrchKids, an innovative after-school music program, at Harriet Tubman Elementary School. That’s not only genius, it’s incredibly generous.

History Museum As it celebrates and documents Baltimore’s Jewish community, The Jewish Museum of Maryland, 15 Lloyd Street, 410-732-6400, manages to relate that history to the city at large and the nation as a whole. Two recent exhibits, The Voices of Lombard Street: A Century of Change in East Baltimore and Ours to Fight For: American Jews in the Second World War, made those vital connections without ignoring the thorny issues of race and nationalism. As a result, the material was thought provoking and relevant, without any of the dust that often settle over such shows.

Music Festival (alternative) Last year’s Whartscape, the Wham City collective’s annual music fest, qualified as a notable event, but this year’s version shaped up to be the ultimate celebration of the city’s fertile indie music scene. Over the course of four days, July 17-20, the Whartscape schedule included Celebration, Beach House, Dan Deacon, Ponytail, Matmos, Cex, Double Dagger, Ecstatic Sunshine, and dozens of others at various venues. You wouldn’t find a better homegrown line-up for a festival anywhere in the U.S.

Music Festival (mainstream) Lots of folks were surprised when the Virgin Mobile Festival chose Pimlico as its flagship venue, and there was much skepticism that it would actually remain at the decaying track. But it’s proved to be a surprisingly good match so far, as interest and attendance has grown. And how often will you see the likes of Nine Inch Nails, Kanye West, Bob Dylan, Foo Fighters, Jack Johnson, Chuck Berry, and Iggy Pop on the same bill?

One-stop Culture Hub Normal’s Books & Records, 425 E. 31st Street, 410-243-6888, is a vital arts and culture hub masquerading as a used book and record store. On any given visit to the Waverly shop, you might nab an out-of-print Grace Hartigan monograph, page through local lit publications like Shattered Wig Review (published by co-owner Rupert Wondolowski), get tips about upcoming poetry readings and art shows, run into fellow shoppers such as John Waters or Madison Smartt Bell, and hear some of the most adventurous music Baltimore has to offer. A gem like Normal’s is as much about community as it is about commerce.

Patron Saint When painter Larry Scott passed away last November, the city lost one of its most beloved artists. And when Xando’s, the Charles Village coffee shop where Scott hung out, closed soon after, the two events seemed eerily related. But since then, Scott’s influence continues to reverberate, as various artists (including Don Griffin, one of his closest friends) cite him as the inspiration behind recent work. Scott’s wife, Desiree, is putting together a show for the fall that will feature work by Scott and his various cohorts and admirers.

Poet It takes a poet with Zen calm and Thoreau-ish powers of observation and insight to gaze at a snail, note its physical attributes, contemplate its metaphysical state, and make the reader care about such things. But Goucher’s Elizabeth Spires does just that, and much more, in her latest book, The Wave-Maker.

Song It isn’t everyday that Mel Gibson comes calling to a relatively unknown songwriter. But that’s what happened when Gibson’s Icon Productions found Howard Markman’s “Almost Home” via the internet and placed the Hampdenite’s song alongside tunes by Bob Dylan, Talking Heads, and The Killers in the penultimate episode of PBS’ Carrier documentary. Although not originally written with the U.S.S. Nimitz in mind, Markman’s melodic and memorable song perfectly captured the anticipation felt by sailors returning to port after a six-month deployment in the Persian Gulf.

Work in Progress When local filmmaker Michael Lawrence set out to film various musicians playing and discussing Bach, he had no idea how much cooperation he’d get. As it turns out, a stunning assortment of players have been filmed for Lawrence’s upcoming Bach Project including violinists Hilary Hahn and Joshua Bell, singer Bobby McFerrin, the Emerson String Quartet, banjoist Bela Fleck, and mandolin player Chris Thile. Their involvement virtually guarantees a revealing examination of Bach’s music.

Writer Dan Fesperman crafts thrillers that deftly mix political intrigue with the politics of being human. A foreign correspondent with The Sun, Dan Fesperman frames his narratives with a keen understanding of current events, which makes books such as Prisoner of Guantanamo and The Amateur Spy all the more timely and believable. At this point, Fesperman’s body of work even rivals that of more well known Sun alums like David Simon, Stephen Hunter, and Laura Lippman.

Zine Who says blogs have made zines obsolete? That’s certainly not the case with William P. Tandy’s Smile Hon, You’re in Baltimore. Tandy’s Baltimore narrative exists largely outside the official record in that it’s gleaned from folks sitting on barstools and standing on street corners. That’s what makes it indispensable reading for anyone who appreciates and loves the city, warts and all.

Art Publication Locus, the local journal/exhibition space/magazine, exudes a sort of restless creativity that makes each issue surprising and satisfying. Smartly edited and beautifully designed, it showcases art infused with both passion and humanity. Locus doesn’t strive to be fashionable, trendy, or cool—just good.

Design In 2002, we gave a Best-of nod to Nolen Strals for his concert poster designs. Since then, Strals and his partner, Bruce Willen, have been stretching the boundaries of graphic design and conceptual typography with their firm, Post Typography. From show posters and book covers (see Jonathan Miles’ Dear American Airlines) to experimental fonts and their recent Public Print Lab installation at the Creative Alliance, Post-Typography refines the DIY aesthetic in ways that are exciting and engaging.

Outdoor Art Every two years, an amazing assortment of sculptures seems to magically appear on the grounds of Evergreen House. The Sculpture at Evergreen biennial features about a dozen site-specific pieces spread throughout the property, and stumbling across them is half the fun. For the duration of the show, a simple walk around Evergreen becomes a wondrous, whimsical, mysterious, and surprising act of discovery—a veritable Enchanted Forest for art lovers.

MEDIA

Arts Writer Under a byline that most writers would kill for (yes, it’s her real name),Violet Glaze pens eye-popping stories on the region’s growing and dynamic counterculture for City Paper (and occasionally Baltimore). Her stories recount everything from performance artists who staged a “love parade” on North Avenue to an operation in a Parkville basement that turns modern women into 40’s-era “pin-up girls.” Glaze reports as well as she criticizes and observes, uncovering stories on the fringe without turning her very human subjects into freaks. A Glaze story is as evocative as her name, often funny, and honest without clubbing you over the head.

Balti-centric Blog The digital Frankenmonster that is The Mobtown Shank,sugarfreak.typepad.com, always gets us going one way or another. There are the gloriously random snippets of conversations called “overheards,” the wonderfully bad video bits of old TV shows, some excellent mp3 downloads of post-punk and roots bands, a hipster’s happenings calendar, and other oddities submitted by a cast of genuine characters. Atomic Books main man Benn Ray, who runs the cyberjoint, has impeccable taste in the good and in the so-bad-it’s-good, and is an astute, often-angry observer of politics to boot. Long may the Shank wave.

Blast of Radio Static Whether you miss Marc Steiner’s serious daily look at Baltimore in all its problematic glory, or you hated his left-leaning guests and too-knowing banter, you’ll have to admit that Steiner’s forced exit from WYPR-FM‘s daily mid-day talk slot in February was made for his first love: theater. Steiner’s refusal to go quietly, the picketers who marched outside WYPR’s lower Charles Village offices, the defiling by vandals of the “Y” and “P” (representing the “Your Public” in “Your Public Radio”) on its building—a modernist play about a media martyr couldn’t have been better scripted. Like all good dramas, this one played out quickly: Ratings are up at the station and Steiner has landed a new gig at WEAA.

Countercultural Media Experience Ever wonder what the closing-time crowd at the Ottobar might look like in a fashion shoot? Or what moves the eccentrics behind this city’s most obscure art journals and columns? The blokes and blokettes who churn outGutter Magazine, guttermagazine.com, a slam-glam fashion cyber-pub for the magically hip, think about these things all the time. With dozens of rough-edged, super-saturated photos each month and a drunk-at-midnight’s focus and ‘tude, Gutter works really hard to show us that it doesn’t care what you think of it. And what could be more beautiful than that?

Columnist Coming up with ways to express the absurdity, vanity, and venality that lurk behind the curtains at City Hall isn’t as easy as it looks. You need an all-ears network of sources, some news sense, and a sarcastic wit that owes as much to Hedda Hopper as it does to Mark Twain. Fortunately for us, there’s The Sun’s Laura Vozzella around to cheekily tell us about the circus of humanity at City Council meetings, or about the city’s eccentric circuit court clerk, Frank Conaway, who haughtily refuses to call Sheila Dixon “mayor” because she chose to have Governor Martin O’Malley swear her in instead of him. As they say, you just can’t make this stuff up.

Deejay Steve Ash—that’s Stash to you—has been one of our favorites at 98 Rock (97.9 FM) for years, spinning a solid collection of classics and new stuff while keeping his banter remarkably intelligent. So, when the headbanger banged his own head during an accident at his home last year, we worried that we might have heard the last of him. But after two months of therapy to regain his speech and motor skills, Stash returned to his afternoon show in February. The results have been gratifying on so many levels: Stash sounds strong, and even more appreciative of the music and his audience. The feeling is very mutual.

Enlivener of the Dismal Science Jay Hancock, The Sun’s shining business columnist, grants us clarity every Wednesday and Friday, and his blog keeps it coming in between. Want to learn about the latest wrangling between the state and Constellation Energy and what it will mean for your electric bill? Need to get a sarcastic laugh on the craziness of the economy or read a snarky column “from the future” on an insolvent America and its coming Triple-Z bond rating? Economists, those dismal scientists, talk like robots. Hancock is flesh and blood, and appreciates that you need to understand the economy, too.

Impersonation of the New York Post “BLUDGEONED!!!!” screamed the headline, after a Riderwood teen murdered his mother in May. “HOLY STASH!” followed the discovery a few days later of street drugs in a shrine outside St. Frances Academy. While Rupert Murdoch moves upscale (we hope) following his purchase of The Wall Street Journal, The Baltimore Examiner goes for the gut. It doesn’t take a media analyst to figure out why: The tabloid wants to turn more heads toward paper boxes and at newsstands, and get those well-heeled residents to stop griping about its free delivery.

Magazine Rescue When David Dudley returned to Baltimore last year and accepted an offer to run Urbanite, many warned him that turning the earnest, progressive monthly into something lively and reader-friendly would be a near impossibility. The Cassandras were wrong. Dudley, a former Baltimore magazine editor, has already assembled a number of issues that microscopically examine the city’s warts—crime and public schools among them—with depth, style, and much-improved writing. We like the product’s pared down, manageable new shape, too.

Print Reporter “Juvenile justice” is a loaded term in this town, when one considers that thousands of kids start the day poor and hungry—there’s no justice in that. For a reporter, the trick is to cover the epidemic of juvenile violence with an eye toward what’s happening to the kids, and then turn their sagas into compelling narratives that deal with the harrowing complexity of so many young lives. Julie Bykowicz at The Sun pulls it all off with seeming effortlessness, most recently detailing (with reporter Melissa Harris) the death of a two-year-old girl who swallowed her young mom’s dose of methadone.

Radio Show We love the freewheeling aspect of the The Signal, WYPR’s weekly arts-centric chronicle (heard Fridays at noon and 7 p.m.). Producers Aaron Henkin and Lisa Morgan (aided by the distinctive throat of program director Andy Bienstock) aren’t married to a set format. They’ll run interviews with no interviewer, or head out on the road to assess the mood of The Free State, if they happen to feel like it. The result? A timely, stylish, often-quirky set of offerings each week—interviews with poetry slammers, mandolin orchestra members, and “fair-trade” enthusiasts—that never fail to enlighten and entertain.

Reason for Reporters to Hold on to Those Slippery Day Jobs We majored in English, so we’re all for storytelling laced with such things as “authenticity” and “verisimilitude.” We’re also suckers for cameos by old stars who play themselves in bad TV shows. But those acting “performances” by Sun reporters on The Wire this past season may have ruined it all for us. It made us pine for the thespian professionalism of All the President’s Men—or even Lou Grant.

Sports Announcer Although some many disagree, we happen to think that the heyday of Orioles broadcasts was during the 80’s, when Jon Miller and Joe Angel would team up to bring you baseball on the radio. Angel’s pipes, deep knowledge of the game, frequently hilarious asides, and exhaustive pre-game legwork returned to Baltimore in 2004 to enliven games that certainly needed it. Now heard on WHFS-FM (105.7), he and partner Fred Manfra have improved steadily as a team—and this season, it seems the other team (the one on the field) is finally catching up.

Sports Blog As longtime lovers of Roch Kubatko’s “Roch Around the Clock,” we’re loath to ditch Kubatko and his clever, insider-y multiple daily entries on everything orange and black. But Kubatko’s batting machine-like barrage of O’s tidbits took a backseat in March once Kevin Van Valkenburg started downloading the poignant stories behind the sports in his “Life of Kings” blog. Incandescent tales of playing ball with kids in the Dominican Republic and a touching elegy of a fellow O’s fan and friend are among the entries that elevate blogging to an art form.

Sports Gal Hired as a pretty face by the local Fox/Sinclair crowd in 2004, Amber Theoharis refused to play to type (although she is, indeed, quite fetching). Before long, she was (wo)manning the weekend sports desk and reporting award-winning sports features. These days, you can’t flick a dial or pick up a paper without seeing or hearing her—a good thing, we think. Her from-the-sidelines work on Orioles’ MASN broadcasts is stellar, and her radio show, “The ‘A’ List,” on WHFS, manages to be both provocative and intelligent. Ditto for her “The Broad Side” column in PressBox. Maybe Amber is overexposed, but we can’t seem to get enough of her.

Sports Guy How do we love Mark Viviano, WJZ-TV sports director? Let us count the ways. 1. He breaks news, the most famous example being the Cleveland Browns’ move to Baltimore in 1995. 2. He affects no annoying “guys like us” jock swagger, instead delivering sports news clearly and professionally. 3. He’s as good reporting from the sidelines as he is delivering no-frills accounts of the day’s highlights, and 4. He keeps sports news in perspective, realizing, as the late and great Chris Thomas (formerly of Channel 11) once remarked, that a billion Chinese don’t give a damn about American athletics.

Story The saga of Cindy McKay, the multi-state black widow and thief, made for classic narrative—or a Coen Brothers cinematic treatment. Starting with McKay’s faked suicide at the Ocean City inlet, reporter Justin Fenton at The Sun unspooled several hundred miles of yarn on McKay in a three-part, front-page series in April. We eagerly awaited each segment’s arrival to see how involved McKay’s sons were in the insurance-yielding murder of at least one of her husbands, or just how low McKay would go to rip off the charities she worked for. Fenton’s spare style let the facts of this bizarre, Ma Barker-like tale shine through. Do we smell a book deal?

TV Anchor Local television news desks have become retirement homes for our longtime favorites—not a bad thing, especially since it means that we get to continue enjoying the affability and straightforwardness of WMAR Channel 2’s Mary Beth Marsden. The station may be in the ratings basement, but with Marsden’s humor and good grace setting the tone for folks like Terry Owens and Jamie Costello, we often wonder why.

Weatherperson Why is it that WJZ’s Bob Turk gets our psyche permanently set on mild and sunny? Most likely it’s his lack of histrionics, his soothing aspect no matter what the weather. Bob will give us the full poop on inclemency and havoc, to be sure, but as “The Sunshine Kid” begins to head into the sunset after a legendary run in Baltimore, his laidback presence has become calming and avuncular, as if to say: “Bring the heavy weather on. We can handle it.”

TV Reporter (who isn’t Jayne Miller) There’s no “I” in team, unless it’s the I-Team. So, it’s fitting that our closest-to-Jayne selection is a member of her WBAL hit squad: Barry Simms. In the past year, Simms exposed bad contractors, took on incompetent repair crews from Home Depot, and was hot on the trail of slimy “home rescue operators” who buy homes from people who are having a hard time affording them, then rent them back at exorbitant rates. He’s done it all with a no-nonsense, low-key style. It’s not for nothing that Simms won awards this spring from the Associated Press and the National Association of Black Journalists.

Yes, this is our 30th annual Best of Baltmore issue. But if you think that means 30 years of the same old thing—think again. Every year, new faces and venues march into town, shaking things up, energizing our community, and, in some cases, forcing the old guard to step up their game. And that’s precisely what makes this issue so much fun to write (and read, we hope). We’re darn proud of this town and we just love crowing about it. Which brings us to this year’s special feature: Hidden Treasures. Along with the usual best bets in dining, arts, and lifestyle, we’ve also highlighted some of the town’s less ballyhooed people and places. They’re quirky, they’re lovable, and we think they make Baltimore home.

• Arts & Entertainment
• Business
• Kids
• Food & Drink
• Media
• Service
• Shopping
• Home Accessories

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Art as Activism Filmmaker Paul Santomenna’s Megaphone Project produces low-cost documentaries on local economic and social justice issues. This year, Megaphone released a pair of powerful films: Hearts in the Darkness, about an ex-prostitute/drug addict, and Infected, which addressed healthcare issues at the Baltimore City Jail. Megaphone’s documentaries humanize such issues in ways that are both informative and engaging.

Art Project as Magazine Each installment of Esopus, the brainchild of Carroll County native Tod Lippy, features a jaw-dropping mix of visual art, literature, found objects, and music (it comes with a CD). Past issues have included film stills, photography portfolios, an illustrated children’s story, Department of Defense memos written in invisible ink (the words appear in daylight), pull-out posters, poetry, and more. It’s like a gallery of wondrous objects, tucked inside a magazine.

Bachelorette-Party Spot With all the posters of Santorini on the wall and joyous Greek music wafting through the room, it’s almost as if you’re starting the honeymoon a little early at Ikaros, 4805 Eastern Ave., 410-633-3750. Bring the girls and ask for one of the side banquet rooms—you can have as much moussaka and merlot as your almost-married self can handle! Be warned, though: you break the plates, you buy ’em.

Band Over the past 17 years, they’ve been called punk, post-punk, grunge, alternative, and emo. Such rock subgenres may come and go, but Lungfish continues to thrive. Last year, the band played the All Tomorrow’s Parties festival (at Modest Mouse’s invitation) and toured Japan for the first time. A hypnotically powerful CD, Feral Hymns, has just been released on the seminal Dischord label.

Benefit It’s a good thing the American Visionary Art Museum’s Mondo Exotica is held biennially, because you need two full years to finish talking about it! This year’s aquatic theme—based around the museum’s year-long “Holy H20” exhibit—had guests dressed to the nines as loan sharks, sea anemones, sailors, and even sushi.

CD Fertile Ground’s Black Is… is pure soul, the sort of disc that reaffirms one’s belief in the power of music to inspire and heal. Songs such as “Spirit World” and “Live in the Light” are infused with the sort of positive vibe that make Stevie Wonder and Bob Marley so special. And like those iconic artists, Fertile Ground anchors its positivity in deep, infectious grooves.

Cigar Bar It’s been around for years, but after undergoing an extensive renovation in 2003, the Havana Club, 600 Water St., 410-783-0033, truly remains a haven for the cigar aficionado. And for a cool $500 a year, you can join the “members only” club which buys you use of your own personalized humidor, complimentary valet parking, a discount on boxed cigar purchases, and the ability to walk past all the “hoi polloi” waiting in line outside.

Community Arts Group Highlandtown’s Creative Alliance at The Patterson, 3134 Eastern Ave., 410-276-1651, continues to set the standard for what a community arts group can be. Both a neighborhood anchor and a beacon for artists of all types, the Creative Alliance consistently supports and presents diverse work, including the adventurous Transmodern Age Festival (co-sponsored with Area 405), a series of silent films with live music scores, cabaret nights, dance lessons, lectures, workshops, and much more. Every neighborhood should be blessed with its own Creative Alliance.

Contemporary Art Gallery UMBC’s Center for Art and Visual Culture mounts cutting edge exhibitions infused with aesthetic bravado, intellectual heft, and cultural significance. CAVC’s Tour de Clay exhibitions were one highlight, and recent shows such as “The HOME House Project” and “White: Whiteness and Race in Contemporary Art” have turned the center into a budding contemporary art powerhouse.

Dance Floor Federal Hill’s nightlife scene is certainly not synonymous with “relaxed”: pushy bouncers, long lines, impossibly crowded quarters. How’s a gal supposed to get down with her bad self on the dance floor without any wiggle room? Sky Lounge, 1041 Marshall St., 410-625-1615, is the perfect antidote to her problem as its swanky Plexi-glassed upstairs dance floor is just wild enough to keep you moving, and just wide enough to keep you sane.

Dive Bar The mark of a good bar is when you see the employees hanging out even off the clock. Such is the case at Leadbetter’s, 1639 Thames St., 410-675-4794. Grab a seat at the bar or go in the back for a quick game of pool, but keep your eyes peeled for the little quirks that make this bar so charmingly memorable (like the Tylenol and Advil on sale behind the counter and Guinness misspelled on the price list). Check your pretense at the door.

Downtown Rock Club We still have a hard time getting used to the fact that on any given night, big-name acts like The Roots, Steve Winwood, and Elvis Costello are taking the stage in downtown Baltimore thanks to Rams Head Live, 20 Market Pl.,

410-244-8854. The best thing about this relative newcomer is that it covers all bases—country (Dwight Yoakam), oldies (America), newbies (Brazilian Girls), and hotties (Jakob Dylan of The Wallflowers)—and we think that rocks!

DVD Commentary John Waters’s hilarious and insightful audio commentary for A Dirty Shame is, in itself, worth the price of the DVD. Waters speaks candidly about his career, the film’s stars, his Baltimore locations, and much, much more, including many of the sexual fetishes in the film. A discussion about sploshing may not be for everyone, but Waters’s warmth and wit are hard to resist.

Faculty Concert Last October, as part of Peabody’s Faculty Chamber Music Concert, a quartet comprised of cellist Michael Kannen, violist Jason Fisher, and violinists Jesse Irons and Courtney Orlando performed a moving version of Steve Reich’s Different Trains. The group played Reich’s piece, which includes tapes of pre-recorded voices, with the perfect mix of passion and precision.

Film Series This spring, MICA and the Maryland Film Festival co-sponsored Reality, a startlingly good documentary film series that included Don’t Look Back, Imelda, Brother’s Keeper, Capturing the Friedmans, Michael Moore Hates America, an evening of documentary shorts, and a double feature of faux documentaries (Curse of the Blair Witch and Forgotten Silver). Having most of the filmmakers on hand to introduce the films and answer audience questions made the series all the more memorable.

Home Away From Home With the opening of the Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Ln., N. Bethesda, 301-581-5100, the region has gained more than just a second home for the BSO. We also got a well-designed, acoustically superior venue to attract acts such as the Mingus Big Band, the Peking Acrobats, and Dan Zanes.

Jazz Venue Over the past year, the emergence of An die Musik Live, 409 N. Charles St., 410-385-2638, as a jazz venue has been a boon to the local music scene. Located upstairs from An die Musik’s CD shop, the room is intimate and has great sound. Since last September, promoter Bernard Lyons and An die owner Henry Wong have presented a stunning variety of affordably priced concerts by the likes of David Murray (accompanied by Lafayette Gilchrist), Andrew Hill, Marilyn Crispell, Marshall Allen, Henry Grimes, William Parker, Fred Hersch, and Michael Formanek.

Karaoke Whether you’re full of liquid courage or not, 1.7th Generation, 123-129 W. 27th St., 410-467-1717, gives you a chance to strut your lyrical stuff. Rather than exposing yourself on stage, here you can grab the phonebook-sized song list (which features much Korean music, with American hits as well) and belt out your pick from your seat, which, we remind you, is also conveniently where you have your drink.

Lightning In a Bottle (twice) Last year, the inaugural CityLit Festival at the Enoch Pratt Free Library booked novelist Edward P. Jones for an appearance. A few days before the festival, Jones won the Pulitzer Prize. This year, former Washington Post foreign correspondent Steve Coll was scheduled to appear, and sure enough, just days before the April 16th event, Coll won a Pulitzer for his book, Ghost Wars. Anyone with Pulitzer aspirations for 2006 may want to contact CityLit honcho Gregg Wilhelm.

Lounge From the street, Copra, 313 N. Charles St., 410-727-6080, looks like the Mt. Vernon haunt that it is: brushed ironwork, brick-oven pizzas, bottles of merlot. What you can’t see from the street, though, is the sleek and very popular downstairs lounge. Plush couches and plasma TVs line the walls—making way for a pretty sizeable dance floor. And you’ll need it, too: This hotspot gets hoppin’ on the weekends.

Lounge Pianist Ray Jowziak isn’t your typical lounge pianist. Jowziak, a self-billed “gonzo pianist,” performs Wednesday nights at The Belvedere’s 13th Floor Lounge. More fractured jazz than tuxedo schmaltz, he conjures the spirits of Thelonious Monk and a host of stride pianists with a strong left hand and a quirky instrumental approach.

Mix of Art and Music Talk about mixing pleasure with . . . pleasure. At Jazz in the Sculpture Garden, 10 Art Museum Dr., 410-396-6001, the tasty sandwiches and snacks from the outside bar sate guests until dessert—the concert! Last summer’s lineup was impressive and this year will be no different: Acclaimed vocalist Paula West and nationally known jazz singer Andy Bey both perform this month.

Musical The Lion King may have been the season’s most artful spectacle, but Center Stage’s adaptation of Shakespeare’s Two Gentlemen of Verona as the most audacious and, ultimately, enjoyable musical. Reinventing Shakespeare as a rock musical takes guts, and doing it convincingly takes real vision. Artistic director Irene Lewis, musical director Eric Svejcar, and choreographer Luis Perez all rose to the occasion.

Museum Expansion The American Visionary Art Museum’s 28,000-square-foot Jim Rouse Visionary Center makes an excellent addition to an already excellent museum. A converted whiskey barrel warehouse, the Rouse Center houses oversized work, including art cars, a huge statue of drag performer Divine, and painted screens (by the likes of Johnny Eck and Dee Hegert) installed in replica rowhomes. The Center’s whimsical, and appropriate, architectural details include a “Birds Nest” balcony and a “Divine Hand” to hold a giant movie screen for AVAM’s outdoor film series.

New Art Acquisition Last year’s Kerry James Marshall show at the BMA

(“One True Thing: Meditations on Black Aesthetics”) was one of the most compelling and provocative exhibitions in recent memory. So hats off to the BMA for adding Marshall’s ”
The Ladder of Success” to its contemporary wing. Now, we can continue to appreciate Marshall’s work and reflect on the original exhibition.

Novel Set lovingly in Baltimore, Michael Kun’s Your Poor Monster is chock full of interesting characters (namely, Hamilton Ashe, a young lawyer, and Sam Shoogey, a gifted storyteller), wry and witty prose, and an intriguing premise: If you know that a wickedly good storyteller is spinning a fantastic yarn, is it still a lie? A Hopkins grad, Kun uses endnotes to craft a subplot that both enriches the narrative and underscores his premise.

Poetry Volume With a scalpel of empathy, Columbia’s Lucille Clifton cuts though our clotted cultural landscape in Mercy. In poem after poem, she excises all personal and political jingoism, leaving only what is necessary and human and right.

Reason To Go Out On a Monday Night So you’re a little rundown from the weekend. Wheatgrass shake? Gross! Cup o’ joe? Been there, done that. What you need is a night atSwing!, Austin Grill, 2400 Boston St., 410-534-0606. From 7:30-8 p.m., beginner dancers are treated to swing lessons free of charge. At 8, $10 will buy you some more advanced moves, and at 9, be prepared to rock the restaurant during two hours of nonstop boogying. Bring a friend or go solo, but don’t forget your dancing shoes.

Residency This year’s Critics Residency at MAP was particularly strong. Organized by critic in residence Franklin Sirmans, it produced perceptive writing from Jenny O’Grady and Jiyun Park and an excellent exhibition that included memorable work from painter Jo Smail, photographer Sonya Lawyer, and installation artist Michele Kong.

Salsa Dancing With its supper club atmosphere alone, the Argentinian-inspiredGardel’s, 29 S. Front St., 410-837-3737, is intriguing. Adding to that intrigue is the restaurant’s historic Fava Building setting and its weekly dance events: Saturday is the big night—Salsa, Merengue, and Bachata begin at 9 p.m.—but Tuesday evenings host ballroom enthusiasts and Sundays welcome tea-time tango dancers.

Saturday Night Sing-A-Long Though “piano bar” might be the technical term forHowl at the Moon, 22 Market Pl., 410-783-5111, we think a better way to describe this Power Plant Live! venue is as one huge, synergistic sing-a-long to The Jackson Five, Bon Jovi, Rick Springfield, and the Piano Man himself, Billy Joel. On Fridays and Saturdays, stop by at 5:45 p.m. for free cover, half-price drinks, and a crowd drawn together solely by the nostalgia of a damn good song.

Show Posters Over the past few years, Hampden’s Spur Design, 3504 Ash St., 410-235-7803, has produced some exceptional show posters for local theater venues, but the firm’s recent designs for Theatre Project were especially noteworthy. Not just eye candy, the posters reflect the restless and relentless creative spirit of both theater group and design firm.

Singles Scene (over 40) If you’d rather meet someone who prefers a good beef carpaccio over a Jell-O shot, head to Liberatore’s, 9515 Deereco Rd., Timonium, 410-561-3300, for a taste of the tasteful dating scene. Grab a glass of Italian wine and a seat at the bar—you’ll be amazed at how many suburban singles count on the restaurant’s Tuscan vibe to improve their love lives.

Singles Scene (under 40) While The Belvedere’s 13th Floor can sometimes err on the side of pretentious, the downstairs Owl Bar, 1 E. Chase St., 410-347-0888, is a perfect spot to swig a frothy mug of local brew while making new friends. At 9 p.m. on Thursday through Saturday nights, the dark-wood-and-brick bar becomes the sexy backdrop that thirtysomethings sometimes need for that extra boost of confidence.

Sports Bar As any true fan will tell you, a few TVs does not a sports bar make. Although the potential for sensory overload is present at Padonia Station, 63 E. Padonia Rd., Timonium, 410-252-8181, it’s the spirited atmosphere that will ultimately win you over. Hosting three separate areas to enjoy a meal or the game, and offering daily specials and events, Padonia Station is a haven for any sports nut. And oh, did we mention that you can enjoy a bison burger while you root on ‘dem O’s?

Television Writer When HBO announced it was renewing The Wire in March, the cable giant didn’t cite the usual reasons: Ratings weren’t high, and there wasn’t a sexy star poised for media saturation. Instead, HBO president Carolyn Strauss cited the writing prowess of David Simon as the primary reason for the show’s renewal. In a TV landscape dominated by plotless reality shows, it was a refreshing and well-deserved nod to a truly visionary writer.

Tour de Clay Moment Early one Sunday morning, we saw a young boy peering through the keyhole of the BMA‘s Latrobe Spring House, where Richard Cleaver‘s 100-piece, altar-like installation was housed as part of the citywide Tour de Clay festival. The boy turned around, wide-eyed and grinning, and exclaimed, “I didn’t expect that to be in there!” It spoke volumes about the spirit of the ambitious festival and the creative use of space at the BMA.

Tribute Concert On September 23, 2004, local jazz luminaries—including pianist Lafayette Gilchrist and saxophonists Greg Thompkins and John Berndt—gathered to mark John Coltrane’s birthday at Xando in Charles Village. The legendary saxophonist would have been proud, as Thompkins led a rousing session that leaned heavily on Coltrane’s classic, A Love Supreme. An accompanying exhibition of Coltrane-inspired paintings and drawings, produced by the International Comzee artist collective, added yet another dimension to the tribute.

Uptown Rock Club Ottobar, 2549 N. Howard St., 410-662-0069, is the quintessential indie music club. It’s small, gritty, sweaty, has a decent beer selection, and books a wide array of acts, from Aesop Rock and Prefuse 73 to local faves the Oxes and Bonnie Prince Billy.

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BUSINESS

Business Lunch Spot M&S Grill, 200 E. Pratt St., 410-547-9333, the McCormick and Schmick outpost which opened two years ago, caters to the business community with plenty of private booths in its dining room. Execs from Verizon, Bank of America, and Legg Mason are regulars, holding lunch meetings while chowing down on such popular pub fare as the triple-layer, lump-crab-and-shrimp-salad sandwich. Mayor Martin O’Malley is an occasional diner, as are many Orioles—Javy Lopez and Brian Roberts were recently spotted.

Casual Business Lunch Spot There’s something about a steaming hot bowl of Ploughboy soup, freshly baked peasant wheat bread, and, well, the name Atwater, that makes you want to talk business. The Belvedere Square staple Atwater’s, 529 E. Belvedere Ave., 410-323-2396, serves up lunchtime delicacies to business execs day after day. So if you’re in the market to make a deal, put on your best suit and ask for the gumbo.

CEO Last year, Tony Caputo, the CEO of Harford County-based software protection firm Safenet Inc., made a bold move by purchasing Rainbow Technologies. It paid off—to the tune of $202 million. At the same time, Caputo has worked with Governor Ehrlich and played an active role in helping to revive the state’s high-tech industry. To top it off, employees say he’s a nice guy who leads his staff of 900 by example. At a recent off-site sales meeting in Washington, D.C., Caputo decreed that everyone needed to have a hotel roommate as a cost-savings measure—including himself.

Company to Watch Analysts are approvingly eyeing Micros Systems Inc., a provider of computer services and equipment for restaurants, retailers, and hotels, for its stock’s steady growth (up 56 percent in the past year). Headed by chairman and CEO Tom Giannopoulos, Micros Systems had sales of $488 million in 2004, up over 20 percent from the previous year.

Corporate Turnaround Back in October 2002, when TESSCO Technologies Inc.‘s Hunt Valley headquarters were flooded with four million gallons of water from a blown fire hydrant, the odds of it staying afloat—let alone flourishing—were slight. That didn’t stop the company—which provides one-stop shopping for the wireless industry—from scrambling to reopen at a smaller facility nearby within 24 hours. After a $25 million settlement with insurers, a distribution center was rebuilt on the original site and reopened in December 2003. Since the disaster, sales have jumped 87 percent to a projected $513 million.

Job Training Program The Mayor’s Office of Employment Development,

417 E. Fayette St., 410-396-3009, has four regional career centers and five youth centers, which served 18,000 jobseekers last year. The centers are equipped with “digital learning labs” providing self-paced training, and they offer G.E.D. classes as well. This summer, they expect to place 5,500 Baltimoreans aged 14-21 in about 400 job sites across the city.

Local Job Listings To land the right job, today’s jobseeker must be as adept with the Internet as with the interview. The leading online source of local listings is The Sun’sCareerBuilder.com, a national job search site that sorts listings by job category, location, salary range, and an array of other variables. They can also e-mail you when there are new openings.

Local News Source When Rouse Co. officials were inking a deal to sell the company to out-of-state owners last summer, many read about it first in a special bulletin from the daily e-mail service of the Baltimore Business Journal. For the mere five minutes it takes to sign up at baltimore.bizjournals.com, the estimated 6,500 subscribers get an update on business news every workday at 3 p.m.—a deadline that publisher Jim Breiner says affords the BBJ the opportunity to beat the dailies at their own game.

Local Stock Sure, there were local penny stocks with impressive revenue jumps (1,000 percent gains!) in the past 12 months, but then again, 1,000 times a penny is still just 10 bucks. Thanks to the research gurus at Hardesty Capital Management, we know that the place to make real money in the past year was Towson-based power-tools giant Black & Decker, whose stock (BDK) jumped about 30 percent, to $85 a share, after increasing its sales to $5.4 billion.

New Company A dating service for companies? That’s the big idea behind three-year-old BDMetrics Inc., which has created a networking software to help “hook up” (professionally speaking) the busy executives, sales managers, and even journalists who attend the 13,000 trade shows held in the U.S. each year. And it seems to be working. The company had 300-percent growth in sales last year, and CEO Rick Geritz just moved his 40 employees to swank new digs at the University of Maryland-Baltimore County’s research park.

Place to Network Maybe high rollers like Constellation Energy’s Mayo Shattuck don’t need to network. But owners of small and medium-sized businesses sure do, and many have found the Greater Baltimore Technology Council’s quarterly wine tastings, Emerging Technology Center, 2400 Boston St., 410-327-9148, to be the ideal venue to connect. Held mid-week after work, a mix of venture capitalists, head hunters, and university officials turn out to talk business and sip Chardonnay poured by executives from companies ranging in size from Verizon to upstart incubators.

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KIDS

Art Classes You and your fledgling Picasso will have an absolute art attack over the multitude of offerings available through the Young People’s Studio, Maryland Institute College of Art, 1300 Mount Royal Ave, 410-669-9200. Choose from a range of classes in puppet- and mask-making, the Old Masters, animation, digital photography, print-making, and more. Unlike many extra-curriculars for kids, this is not a babysitting service—all classes are taught by serious art educators who are tops at their trades.

Bookstore With only a handful of independent children’s bookstores remaining in the U.S., it’s a testament to The Children’s Bookstore, 737 Deepdene Rd., 410-532-2000, that it’s still thriving after 27 years. And for good reason. Authors know that store owner JoAnn Fruchtman lovingly handpicks every book on the shelf (and has read most of them), and truly appreciates their work. In just the coming months, her store will host Caldecott-winning author Arthur Yorinks and noted writers Susan Meddaugh and T.A. Barron.

Comeback Kids Since the blizzard of 2003 damaged the historic Roundhouse roof and its preeminent collection of antique trains to the tune of $30 million, the B & O Railroad Museum has become the ultimate little engine that could. Renamed The New B & O Railroad Museum, 901 W. Pratt St., 410-752-2490, the space, set on the site of America’s first railroad, is better than ever. In addition to the complete restoration of the Roundhouse, expanded exhibits include the Smithsonian’s Railroad Model Collection, a new outdoor train garden, and an inside look at many of the museum’s trains not open to the public before the collapse.

Clothing For runway-worthy kids’ fashions, none can compare to the high-end European and American styles at The Pied Piper, Village of Cross Keys, 32 Village Sq., 410-435-2676. With a $500 hand-smocked silk christening gown, Burberry for babies, chi-chi dupioni silk dresses, Italian leather crib shoes, and Madonna’s English Roses line, Pied Piper has everything your child needs to make the “Best Dressed” list in the bassinet—and beyond.

Class of ’05 (Boy) Called the most talented student he has taught in 20 years by BSO percussionist John Locke, Baltimore School for the Arts senior Justin Thomas, who plays vibraphone, xylophone, steel drums, marimba, and piano, has an incredibly impressive resume. Along with numerous BSO appearances, a stint at Lincoln Center, and an appearance on Showtime at the Apollo, he even wowed Wynton Marsalis so much that the jazz legend invited Thomas to join him on stage.

Class of ’05 (Girl) Ronke Olaleye, who emigrated with her family from Nigeria seven years ago, is definitely one to watch. The McDonogh School senior, who at 16 years is the youngest in her class, picked up the crown for Maryland’s Junior Miss last March, earning a $5,000 scholarship. Ronke wowed the judges during the pageant with her soul stirring performance of Etta James’s signature song “At Last” wearing a black gown that was nabbed at Goodwill for 50 cents. Olaleye will attend Troy State University in Alabama on a full scholarship.

Day Trip Ever wonder how a pretzel gets its brown color or what makes a great potato chip? A visit to the Herr’s Snack Factory Tour, 20 Herr Dr., Nottingham, PA, 610-932-9330, in the heart of Amish country (and about an hour’s drive from Baltimore) will make your child an instant snack food expert. On a guided tour, you’ll see chips, pretzels, nachos, and other Herr’s products as they make their way down the assembly line from their raw state to bags and boxes. Tours and tastes of hot potato chips straight out of the cooker are free, but reservations (and snack money for the gift shop) are required.

Entertainer Doug Sandler, a.k.a. DJ Doug, Fast Forward Entertainment, Inc., 5105 Crestfield Ct., Ellicott City, 410-461-5500, has been spinning records since he filled in for a friend at a local club in 1984. Sandler, the younger brother of WBAL-TV’s “Detour” David Sandler, is an old-fashioned entertainer who has a reputation for honesty, warmth, and showmanship. From birthdays to bar mitzvahs, he makes every occasion special, but he is proudest of the “edu-train-ment” programs he conducts (often pro bono) to help kids deal with peer pressure.

Free Activity If your nascent naturalist wants to take a hike, Soldier’s Delight Natural Environment Area, 5100 Deer Park Rd., Owings Mills, 410-922-3044, has flora and fauna you won’t see anywhere else on the East Coast. This 1,900-acre area, which most closely resembles the open prairies of the Midwest, contains more than 39 species of rare, endangered, and threatened plants (including fringed gentian, fame flowers, and serpentine asters) as well as rare insects, rocks, and minerals.

Haircut Cartoon Cuts, several locations including 8200 Perry Hall Blvd., White Marsh, 410-931-1588, remains a cut above the competition by keeping kids so preoccupied they’ll never know their tresses are being trimmed. In addition to a fun-filled waiting area with art supplies and toys, kids can choose from a large selection of cartoons. The salon also specializes in first-time haircuts and provides a lock of hair and a certificate to mark the occasion.

Kiddie Culture Most kids would rather floss their teeth than visit an art museum, but thanks to the Family Programs at The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr., 410-396-7100, even your youngest child will learn to love strolling through the galleries of this celebrated space. The BMA’s innovative hands-on programs (such as one on West African dancing and drumming as an entree to the museum’s renowned African art collection and another on bridge-building tied into works by Whistler, Monet, and Derain) will make an ardent art lover out of even the most easily distracted.

Kid-Friendly Night Trip As the address implies, The Red Caboose Motel, 312 Paradise Ln., Strasburg, PA, 717-687-5000, is cloud nine for kids. Set amongst the farms of Pennsylvania Amish Country and adjacent to The National Toy Train Museum, this motel bills itself as one of the few places in the world where you can sleep in a caboose (unless you’re a conductor, of course). All aboard!

Kids Meal In 1959, WWII Staff Sergeant Jack Wilhelm bought a 200-acre farm and opened the Friendly Farm Restaurant, 17434 Foreston Rd., Upperco, 410-239-7400, known for its homespun comfort food and pastoral setting. Though Jack passed away in 1976, not much else has changed in nearly three decades. His two sons are still running the restaurant; it still offers a great value for the family. Best of all, when the kids get squirmy in their seats, they can head to the adjacent Friendly Farm Country Store, stroll around the ponds, or feed leftover dinner rolls to the farm’s Canadian geese and mallards.

Library Program Kids will learn that listening can be fun when they tune into Enoch Pratt Free Library’s e-stories, www.epfl.net/kids/estories, a collection of live-action, multicultural performances displayed over the web. E-stories celebrates the art of storytelling from Appalachia to Africa with award-winning authors who include Robin Moore (“Silver Lake Trout”) and Baba Jamal Koram (“Suunjata: The Lion King of Mali”).

Local Festival “Let merriment abound” is the motto at the Maryland Renaissance Festival, Crownsville Rd., Crownsville, 800-296-7304. Lads and lasses will revel in jousting competitions, sword swallowing, juggling, and Celtic music. They can also mingle with a mime, lock up a loved one in the Village Stocks, or listen to a noble lady gossip. Late summer through early fall, this annual celebration turns back time to one of the more colorful times in history. Movie Theater Kids driving you crazy? For good “carma” head to Bengie’s Drive-In Theatre, 3417 Eastern Blvd., 410-687-5627, for a meatball sub, a soda pop, and a double feature under the stars. In operation since 1956 and the only drive-in theater remaining in the area, Bengie’s boasts the biggest screen (52 feet by 120 feet) on the East Coast, and children under 11 get in free.

Magic Shop The real magic of Ken-Zo’s Yogi Magic Mart, 1025 S. Charles St., 410-727-5811, is the fact that owner and former Ringling Bros. clown Ken Horsman and his son, Spencer, a prodigal magician and ventriloquist, are so passionate about their work. By the time you leave, you’ll have a hard time not sharing in their enthusiasm for fart spray, whoopee cushions, card and coin tricks, thought transmitters, and other assorted magic gizmos. Magic Mart, one of the largest remaining magic shops in the country, caters to both the fledgling illusionist and the master magician.

New Reason to Visit D.C. There are plenty of reasons to visit our sister city, but the Smithsonian’s magnificent National Museum of the American Indian, 4th St. and Independence Ave., 202-633-1000, gives voice to a culture kids seem only to associate with tepees and headdresses. From Andean gold and textiles to intricately carved jade from the Olmec, kids can explore the diversity of Native-American civilization through a staggering 8,000-plus works of cultural, historic, and spiritual significance spanning 10,000 years of Native-American history.

Playground It’s not just the five slides, scads of swings, rock wall, puppet theater, climbing crab, and fire pole that make Our Playground at Stadium Place, 900 E. 33rd St., 410-235-3334, the best play spot in Charm City. It’s the spirit of the space—the largest community-built playground on the East Coast—that is equally worth celebrating. After seven years in the making (and over $300,000 in donor money), more than 6,000 volunteers gathered this past spring to build the 16,000-square-foot, kid-conceived playground from the ground up.

Snowy Day Activity Sure, it’s hard to envision now, but soon your kids will be climbing the walls because of all that white stuff on the ground. Head to Earth Treks, 1930 Greenspring Dr., Timonium, 410-560-5665, so they can climb the state-of-the-art rock walls instead. With more than 150 climbs on 18,000-square-feet of varied terrain—slabs, overhangs, bouldering caves—Earth Treks is the largest indoor climbing facility on the East Coast. A Kids Klimb program, for kids ages 6 to 12, and a Youth Rox Climbing Series, for kids ages 10 to 14, teach tykes rock-climbing basics in a safe setting. A second location is in Columbia.

Skateboard Park Serious rippers favor Charm City Skateboard Park, 4401 O’Donnell St., 410-327-7909, with its 16,000 indoor square feet of half pipes, quarter pipes, wedges, rails, ledges, hubbas, and fly boxes plus a nice mix of obstacles and ramps. Charm City also hosts demos by nationally known boarders such as Andrew Reynolds and boasts at least one famous alumnus: Tony Hawk’s right-hand man, the Baltimore-born Bucky Lasek.

Stroller-Friendly Trail You’ll find few bumps in the road on the family-friendly North Central Railroad Trail, 410-592-2897. Beginning in Hunt Valley and moving 20 miles across the Pennsylvania state line, this flat, gentle trail comprised of pulverized limestone features some of the states’ most bucolic scenery, and you don’t have to mangle your Maclaren to see the sights. You may want to include a visit to the Sparks Bank Nature Center, 1207 Sparks Rd, open on summer weekends from 10 to 4, or the Monkton Train Station, 1820 Monkton Rd., which serves as a museum and gift shop.

Theater Venue The Peggy and Yale Gordon Center for Performing Arts, 3506 Gwynnbrook Ave., Owings Mills, 410-356-7469, offers a wide variety of top-flight programming at prices that are way off-Broadway (usually $8 for adults, $6 for kids and early birds). The past season’s shows included the crowd-pleasing magic of Arnie Kolodner and Alice Bergmann, the dazzling juggling antics of Lazer Vaudeville, and the music of Grammy Award-winning folk singers and storytellers, Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer.

Toy Store Looking for unusual offerings for the kid who owns miles of aisles at Toys R Us? Terry’s Toys, Trains & Things, 3439 Sweet Air Rd., Phoenix, 410-666-7776, is your one-stop shop for the hard-to-buy-for boy or girl. Packed to the ceiling with more than 12,000 toys, Terry’s features an inexhaustible inventory which includes Madame Alexander and Ginny dolls, Steiff Teddy Bears, toy president dolls, Young Einstein science kits, tin wind-up soldiers and boats, trendy marshmallow shooters, retro toy vehicles,and even NASA-improved gel ant farms.

Tween Fashion If your child has outgrown Gap Kids but isn’t ready for Brooks Brothers, head to Cohen’s Clothiers, 64 Cranbrook Rd., 410-666-8020, Cockeysville, for a nice mix of timeless classics, surfer togs, and preppy-chic threads. Cohen’s has the feel of an old-fashioned store, but it also manages to be modern, stocking a wide variety of labels, including Lacoste, Polo, Tommy Bahama, Nautica, and Quiksilver. The staff is attentive and knowledgeable and alterations are exceptional, which helps explain why, after more than a century of business, Cohen’s is still pleasing tweens—and their parents.

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FOOD & DRINK

Affordable Seafood Sure, there are those places where you can get ultra-fresh fish in delicate preparations . . . for $30 an entrée. Mama’s on the Half Shell, 2901 O’Donnell St., 410-276-3160, understands that good seafood shouldn’t be reserved for special occasions. This bustling place is great for massive plates of sparklingly fresh oysters, moist and mild (and mountainous!) fish and chips, and cream of crab soup that (season permitting) comes garnished with its own fried soft shell—all at prices that don’t require a second mortgage.

Barbecue Don’t get us wrong, we’ve been pretty impressed by some of the new barbecue joints that have opened in the area recently. But after extensive sampling, we have to say that Andy Nelson’s Barbecue, 11007 York Rd., Cockeysville, 410-527-1226, is still the reigning champion. These guys know how to do ‘cue right—smoke it till it’s melt-in-your-mouth tender, gussy it up with just a little rub, and let folks doctor it with sauce to their own taste. But our advice would be to skimp on that sauce, because this meat needs no embellishment.

Beer (bottled) Brewpubs are great, but sometimes you just want to be able to savor your suds from the comfort of your couch. Clipper City Brewing Company’s Small Craft Warning Über Pils is a light, straw-colored beer that packs a wallop and yet has some refinement. The brewers load this baby up with enough malt to give it great richness and substantial texture, but all that strength is balanced with a bouquet of bitter, spicy, flowery hops.

Brewpub When you’re in the mood to put on pants before you drink, head over to theWharf Rat. Their Inner Harbor location, 206 W. Pratt St., 410-244-8900, has better food and a brighter atmosphere. The one in Fells Point, 801 S. Ann St., 410-276-9034, is the place to go if you prefer your bars a little divey. Either Rat, however, can serve you a wide selection of their house-made Oliver Ales, done in the English style with great care.

Brunch When was the last time you started brunch with an amuse-bouche? You can do so at Abacrombie Fine Food & Accommodations, 58 W. Biddle St., 410-837-3630, and your bouche will stay amused all through the course of your meal. The menu changes every Sunday, but you can’t go wrong with smoked cheddar grits or items like brandied peach crêpes finished with maple-cured bacon. Make reservations, and if you order the three-course chef’s menu, schedule time for a long nap afterward.

Burger While some may try to prop up their low-grade burgers with outré spices or toppings, Christopher-Daniel, 106 W. Padonia Rd., Timonium, 410-308-1800, sticks to high-quality ingredients and perfect grilling to achieve burger bliss. The buns and toppings are all fresh and top-notch, but it’s the hand-formed patty of superb beef that makes this burger sing. Nicely charred on the outside and pink and juicy on the inside, this is a burger purist’s dream.

Chinese We’ve always been fond of Jesse Wong’s various Columbia enterprises, but his latest, Jesse Wong’s Hong Kong, 10215 Wincopin Cir., Columbia, 410-964-9088, has definitely impressed us. The setting—right on the Lake Kittamaqundi—can’t be beat, and the lengthy menu has something for both the adventurous and the timid eater. We recommend the casseroles, steaming hot pots full of rich, savory goodies.

Cosmopolitan Yes, we realize Sex and the City is all kinds of over, but its signature drink lives on. Unfortunately, too many bars mangle this pink, drinkable jewel—making it either too sweet or too sour. But at the Brass Elephant’s Tusk Lounge, 924 N. Charles St., 410-547-8485, the bartenders make a perfect cosmo, with just the right proportions of cranberry, lime, vodka, and Cointreau. Plus, the décor is the perfect place for—okay, Manolo Blahnik references are passé, too, but you get the idea.

Crab Cake No, we haven’t lost our minds. And yes, we realize that the Carlyle Club, 500 W. University Pkwy., 410-243-5454, is a Lebanese restaurant. All we can say is: Taste the crab cake. We’ve brought many a skeptic to this Hopkins-area gem and converted them into bona fide Carlyle groupies. Think big, flavorful lumps of sweet crab, perfectly grilled, perfectly seasoned. Is it traditional? No, the delicate spices are a little, okay, Middle Eastern, and the two cakes are served with basmati rice and mixed vegetables. There’s even a Lebanese take on tartar sauce. But trust us, you’ll be back for more.

Crab House Summer just isn’t summer to us without a trip to Cantler’s Riverside Inn, 458 Forest Beach Rd., Annapolis, 410-757-1467. There’s something about eating crabs outdoors by the water that makes us feel like we’re truly in the Land of Pleasant Living. And at Cantler’s, we can be assured the crabs are fresh, since we can see them scampering around in tanks and tubs on the dock below.

Dessert We’ve had tartufo before—or at least, we thought we had, until we tried the version at Della Notte Ristorante, 801 Eastern Ave., 410-837-5500. Served in a martini glass, this semi-frozen concoction combines cream and chocolate and sweet crunchy hazelnuts—and did we mention the cream? Probably not enough. Suffice it to say that this leaves all other tartufos—and most every other dessert—in the dust.

Greek The Black Olive, 814 S. Bond St., 410-276-7141, may not strike everyone as a traditional Greek restaurant: No one’s going to shout “Opa!” here, gyros aren’t even on the menu, and it’s not exactly inexpensive. But this place is a shining example of Greek cooking’s central tenets: Perfect ingredients, simply and carefully prepared. This Fells Point rowhouse, lovingly restored by the Spiliadis family to look like a Greek taverna, offers a gorgeous selection of very fresh fish, usually simply grilled and dressed with olive oil and lemon; the best hummus in town; and a grilled octopus salad that makes us salivate as we’re writing this.

Hot Dog Hot dog aficionados know that the best place to grab great local color along with their dogs is at Ann’s Dari Creme, 7918 Ritchie Hwy., Glen Burnie, 410-761-1231. Since 1953, the tiny Glen Burnie institution has had crowds clamoring for Ann’s foot-longs and double dogs packed with chili, onions, and mustard on a submarine roll. If you’re lucky enough to grab one of the few worn blue stools inside this red-and-white shack, you’ll have a ringside seat to the floor show—not just the grill prep action, but also the cadre of waitresses who pride themselves on never missing an order without writing a thing down.

Hot Sauce Carrots—that’s what gives Little Willie’s Grenade Sauce,www.littlewillieshotsauce.com, its distinctive sweetness and hazmat-orange color. The product of Lori La Combe and Gene and Ann Goodman—locals, all—Little Willie’s comes in four flavors, including two sweet fruit-flavored ones. We prefer the mild original—the hot version is tongue-numbingly potent—for a nice slow burn.

Hotspot Buzz couldn’t have been louder when restaurant phenoms Tony Foreman and Chef Cindy Wolf (Charleston, Petit Louis) opened their stunning bar/restaurant/dance venue Pazo, 1425 Aliceanna St., 410-534-7296, late last fall. Was Pazo worth the advance hype? You bet. The enormous but intimate spot, with its movie-set-worthy elegance, has not only become Baltimore’s premier place to see and be seen, it also happens to offer some of the best Mediterranean cuisine around.

Latin Despite the recent plethora of great little storefront Latin restaurants in Baltimore, we keep coming back to Babalu Grill, 32 Market Place, 410-234-9898, where the ceviche sparkles and specials like the lechon asado (that’s marinated rotisserie pork to you, gringo) are pure, authentic Cuban homestyle cooking. Owner Steve de Castro’s expertise as a restaurateur shines through in the precision of the kitchen, the excellence of the service, and the party atmosphere of his Power Plant Live venue.

Liquor Store It should come as no surprise that the same eclectic minds who manage the comprehensive wine collection at The Wine Source, 3601 Elm Ave., 410-467-7777, also maintain the city’s best collection of booze. You can find Venezuelan rum, absinthe substitutes galore, the best Bourbon value in the world (Old Heaven Hill 100 proof), more tequilas than anyone should try, and a stunning bunch of single malts (with reference guides conveniently chained to the shelf). Best of all, the staff is able and willing to tell you whether or not that new quintuple-distilled vodka is worth it.

Live Music with Dinner Although the days of the swank supper club have long since gone the way of Fred and Ginger, we still love the idea of dinner and drinks set to the strains of great live music on a weekend night. Enter Canton’s Pearl’s, 3301 Boston St., 410-276-8900, where you can savor Chef Michael Broglio’s terrific menu of New American food along with a very fine roster of local jazz groups every Thursday through Sunday (for Sunday jazz brunch). What a perfect way to put sophistication back into the art of dining out.

Milkshake People know Chick & Ruth’s Delly, 165 Main St., Annapolis, 410-269-6737, for its old-school delicatessen sandwiches and political people-watching (it’s a favorite lunch spot for the Capitol crowd). But we love its classically perfect milkshake—thick, creamy, served with a long spoon and extra-wide straw in a frosty pint glass, the metal cup containing the overflow on the side. Try the black-and-white, a sublime blend of vanilla ice cream and chocolate syrup. Or indulge in a taste combo only an expectant mother could love: a milkshake with a big bowl of Chick & Ruth’s own special-recipe dill pickles.

Movie Food When Sofi’s Crêpes, 1723 N. Charles St., 410-727-7732, first opened, we thought, “The only thing better than having a little stand making wonderful, fluffy, handheld crêpes right next to the Charles Theatre would be if the Charles would let us take them into the movie.” And then the Charles went ahead and did just that, and we’ve been pretty much delirious with pleasure ever since.

Neighborhood Bistro Sometimes we think we want to move to Bolton Hill just so we can spend more time at b, 1501 Bolton St., 410-383-8600. To us, this is the perfect place for a relaxing Sunday brunch or a laid-back evening meal. The food is excellent (a recent special of venison over risotto was a show-stopper) and the atmosphere urban hip (we love sitting outside and taking in the neighborhood’s glorious architecture). But b’s true secret weapon? That would have to be the ever-hilarious—and ever-efficient—waiter Joe Conner. We can’t get enough of this guy.

New Restaurant Our sorrow at the closing of Mahmood Karzai’s Tampico Mexican Grill quickly turned to joy when we got a gander at what he’d engineered to take its place—the show-stopping Limoges Gourmet Bistro, 1200 N. Charles St., 410-837-9999. An elegant new look (complete with the eponymous china) and a French menu that features lovely renditions of bistro classics and a few Spanish Basque dishes have proved a winning combination. Don’t wait for theater or symphony night to go; you’ll want to linger long in Karzai’s sparkling new boîte.

Onion Rings Fried food is good—there, we said it. And crispy, flaky, perfectly fried and moist slices of onion are very, very good. Add a just-right dusting of Old Bay, like they do at our longtime Fells Point favorite Duda’s, 1600 Thames St., 410-276-9719, and our arteries are yours. Just don’t tell our cardiologist.

Outdoor Dining Live music and cold beer have made the first-floor deck of Nick’s Fish House, 2600 Insulator Dr., 410-347-4123, a major summertime party zone. For a quieter meal, either head up to the rooftop deck or go for lunch. Whatever your preference, Nick’s offers a soothing view of the adjoining marina and the nearby Hanover Bridge, and a wide range of American fare, as well as steamed crabs.

Phoenix Act When famed local restaurateur Spike Gjerde closed all the restaurants in his Baltimore empire but Joy America Cafe, 800 Key Hwy., 410-244-6500, he resolved to put his all into making this last outpost work. Whatever he’s doing (getting back into the kitchen was a start), it’s working beautifully. After several up-and-down years, Joy is back in full force, with a newly energized Latin-inspired menu that sings with inventiveness, and service that shines more brightly than ever.

Pit Beef At a small outpost just off Route 1 called Smokey’s-N-Uncle Grube’s, 7300 Roosevelt Blvd., Elkridge, 410-796-0024, owner Stephen Gruber cooks, slices, and serves some of the world’s most delectable meat. Smoky, tender and moist, Gruber’s beef is sliced thick and piled high on a kaiser roll. All it really needs is good teeth (and cash, as Gruber doesn’t take credit cards), but if you must have accompaniments, excellent coleslaw is available, as well as the traditional grated horseradish.

Pound Cake The key to good pound cake is texture, and Julie Salter’s traditional Southern version is perfectly moist and dense without being oily or leaden. Her Towson-based Quite a Stir, www.quiteastirbakers.com, makes numerous Southern treats (including some killer pecan caramels) that are available in select local stores, but at present, her cakes are available only through her website. Trust us, you’ll be bookmarking the site after your first bite.

Raw Bar A Belle Epoch French restaurant in Annapolis might not be the obvious choice for raw bar, we know. But there’s no arguing with Les Folies Brasserie’s, 2552 Riva Rd., Annapolis, 410-573-0970, dedication to the art—this place’s offerings go way beyond the usual plate of six Blue Points. Diners have their pick from a variety of oyster species, along with a dazzling array of other fruits de mer, from scallops to periwinkles, all of it fresh.

Sake Selection Lovers of sake usually have two options when dining at their local Japanese joint: small or large. Not anymore, because Matsuri, 1105 S. Charles St., 410-752-8561, the Federal Hill cornerstone known for fresh sushi and sashimi, offers a handful of cold, by-the-bottle selections that will please every palate. From the Hananomai Ginjo—with its white peach and nectarine nuances—to the Katana Junmai Ginjo’s clean and crystal finish, you’ll easily find something to complement the gigantic spicy tuna-stuffed Orioles Roll.

Sushi Bar There’s one thing we love about Kawasaki Japanese Restaurant, 413 N. Charles St., 410-659-7600 (that is, besides the hero’s welcome we—and everyone else—get every time we walk in the door): They don’t dumb down their sushi offerings for American tastes. Oh sure, they have all the fun, stuffed maki that we Americans love to chow on (backfin crabmeat and avocado, anyone?). But if you’re into the hardcore stuff—giant clam, uni, live scallop (yes, we said live), delectable toro (that’s belly tuna to you), theirs is the freshest, and most adventurous, around.

Summer Drink Oh, Frijolejito! Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? Thou art more lovely, and more delicious. Like a mojito, but with the added bite of ginger beer, the Frijolejito combines cooling mint, refreshing lime, and, uh, numbing rum into one pint-glass concoction that makes even the most vicious humidity seem bearable. Available at the ever-hip Holy Frijoles, 908 W. 36th St., 410-235-2326.

Tortillas There’s a certain music to the creaks and squeaks of the massive tortilla-making machine at La Tortilleria & Tacos, 1716 Eastern Ave., 410-276-3741. Or maybe we just get lyrical at the thought of bringing home a stack of these fluffy, aromatic, soft corn tortillas for dinner. Try them once, and you’ll never be able to buy those rubbery things at the grocery store again (but use them right away—like a good baguette, they go stale quickly).

Tuna Salad “But I hate tuna salad!” complained a diner, fearfully eyeing the mound of fish at Sun Moon and Stars Cafe, 400 Red Brook Blvd., Owings Mills, 410-902-1910. Then she reluctantly took a bite off our plate. And then another. And that’s when we told her to get her own darn order. The secret? This little cafe, located next to a gym in an office park, uses Sicilian, oil-packed tuna in its salad, and counterpoints it with a beautiful olive tapenade.

Vegetarian Great Sage, 5809 Clarksville Square Dr., Clarksville, 443-535-9400, gives us something the local dining scene was lacking: a vegetarian restaurant worth getting dressed up for. The upscale-casual establishment offers handsomely presented meat-free (and dairy-free, if you so desire) dishes that aren’t afraid to indulge in a little decadence; for proof, try the creamy coconut spinach or the sinfully rich chocolate lava cake.

Wine Bar Truly delicious food and the option to accompany it with anything from the adjoining wine shop are two of the lures at Locust Point’s The Wine Market, 921 E. Fort Ave., 410-244-6166. Chris Spann and staff keep the by-the-glass list fresh and interesting, particularly now that they’ve moved into more eclectic, small-production offerings. If the weather’s nice, enjoy your Merlot (oops, we mean Pinot!) on the patio.

Wine List Maybe it’s their focus on beer that compels The Brewer’s Art, 1106 N. Charles St., 410-547-6925, to build a wine list for the every man. This isn’t about the rarest, the most expensive, or highest score, but rather about an engaging collection of affordable wines from all over the world that truly works with food, rather than strutting around your palate.

MEDIA

Ad Campaign Yes, it turned out to be for nothing more than the darn Maryland Lottery. And no, we don’t understand what the heck revolution-mad cows have to do with scratch-offs (cows don’t have thumbs, people!) But Eisner Interactive’s BovineUnite.com—which revealed itself to be merely a lottery campaign in May, after several weeks of building curiosity both on the streets and on the Internet—captured a lot of people’s attention in an age when most advertising makes our eyes glaze over.

Feeding Frenzy Just when you thought this was going to be a boring governor’s race, along came the Steffen/O’Malley Internet Chat Room Hubbub, in which Joseph F. Steffen Jr., an Ehrlich employee, may or may not have been snookered into chatting about the biggest rumor in town—you know, the one about Mayor O’Malley being unfaithful to his wife. The local media went into full-court press mode; the O’Malleys made their first public statement (a repudiation) on the matter; Steffen resigned; Gov. Ehrlich’s politics seemed a little less lovable . . . and new rumors started that Steffen had fallen prey to either a Democratic chat-room mole or an overzealous reporter. Have we heard the last of this? We think not.

Feud Ehrlich to Sun: Drop Dead In November 2004, two Sun scribes (longtime columnist Michael Olesker and then-State House bureau chief David Nitkin) were accused by the Ehrlich administration of making up facts. Nothing unusual about that complaint. What was different was the decision of the Governor to ban contact with the two entirely, issuing an administration-wide gag order. Turns out, that made covering the government kind of difficult. The Sun launched a much-self-touted lawsuit against the Governor’s office trying to get a court to order them to talk to the reporters; in February, a judge ruled that the Ehrlich administration could talk (or not) to whomever it liked. The legal wrangling continues this year, as The Sun tries to refile the suit.

Interview When local media learned about the now-legendary Stop Snitching DVD—which soon became a national story due to its shocking message and a brief appearance by local NBA star Carmelo Anthony—the movie’s wider presentation of the subculture of the streets was generally overlooked. But it was Anthony McCarthy, guest hosting on WYPR’s Marc Steiner Show, who revealed the complex angles to the story. In McCarthy’s May interview with Rodney Bethea, the DVD’s producer, listeners learned about underground “documentary” filmmaking and the streetwise entrepreneurship they don’t teach at college—and Bethea’s stunning admission that he agrees in part with the message of the disc’s title.

Newspaper Story They’ve probably been around since man first took up stones against his fellow man: tourniquets, simple braces, and ties to stanch a bleeding wound until better medical help can be received. They only cost the military $20 a piece—and they’re proven to save lives. That’s why The Sun’s report on tourniquets for U.S. troops, by Robert Little on March 6 grabbed us: It revealed that only elite forces were equipped with the simple life-saving devices. The Pentagon took note, too, and by May, Uncle Sam had ordered 172,000 more to be shipped to our men and women in harm’s way.

Radio Morning Show Radio in 2005 is a strange landscape: Despite the presence of some great local DJs (and the loss of a legend, WIYY/98Rock’s Bob Lopez, in May), the programming and formats can seem so homogeneous and boring—if it wasn’t for the names of the roads on the traffic reports, it would be hard to figure out where you were. That’s why we still love our trusty WBAL AM, and Dave Durian, and his guests from both near (our own senior editor, a.k.a. “Media” Max Weiss) and far (Face the Nation’s Bob Schieffer). By covering hometown news with just as much verve as the national scene, it’s the one show that makes us feel most at home.

Radio Sports Talk Here’s what we love about The Mark Viviano Show on WJFK AM: You get our two favorite kinds of sports fans at once. First, there’s Viviano, who’s like the VP from the next office over, who can handle erudite discussions about all the dorky minutae and overarching high-concepts of the world of sports. And then there’s Damon Yaffe, a.k.a. “The Bulldog,” who’s like your over-the-fence neighbor who’s never known or cared about anything but Baltimore teams. Yaffe loves to talk on and on about his theories and strategies and knowledge, sometimes to the exasperation of Viviano. They’re a great Odd Couple because they . . . well, they complete each other.

Sun Columnist As the city takes some spectacular steps forward, and shiny new edifices, offices, and condos rise up along the waterfront, remembering the rest of Baltimore City and its hardships is a tough and sometimes thankless job. And that’s why, with his Open Letter written to the city’s drug dealers asking them to keep selling (if they must) as long as they stopped killing, Dan Rodricks proved why he’s one of the city’s unique voices. His followup columns describing the lives of former and current criminals in “the game” were just as riveting.

Sun Sports Columnist At first, we were kind of confused by Peter Schmuck: He seemed to come from a different newspaper, or city, or planet. What with his sometimes-lame zingers and quips, and personal . . . well, “vendettas” against a certain Oriole announcer’s boosterism, we weren’t sure what to make of him. But then we realized we kept turning to his column first thing almost every morning, and that we chuckled a little more each time. And when he revealed the advice he received from Boog Powell on post-game strategies at Orioles fantasy camp (“drink heavily and try not to throw up on yourself”), well, we knew we were hooked.

TV Anchor (Female) Turn on a television newscast in any city, and you’ll see the same set-up: older man anchors the heavy stories, younger woman gets the light lifting. That may play in Peoria, but give us WJZ’s Denise Koch any day of the week. Why should only the men get to play the experienced and wise hand? For nearly a quarter of a century, we’ve always found ourselves paying a little closer attention when Koch begins reading a story. Maybe it’s her sonorous voice, or her intelligent, earnest delivery. Maybe it was the fact that WJZ weatherman Bob Turk trusted her to help him with the public revelation of his serious hearing loss. Or maybe it’s just that she’s the best in the business.

TV Anchor (Male) You know those calm feelings you get when you see someone who just has that thing that makes you trust them? That’s what we get from WBAL’s Stan Stovall. And we’ve been getting it for years, ever since he first appeared on WMAR back in 1988. Unflappable, charming, and authoritative, Stovall’s voice and face always hit the right tone for the story. And outside the office, he’s the exact same way—what you see every night is the real Stovall. And that makes us like him all the more.

TV Investigative Reporter We’ve said it before, and we’re saying it again: WBAL’s Jayne Miller and the I-Team continue to break actual news stories when most other stations’ sleuths generally only turn up overblown hysteria. Miller’s the alpha bloodhound of the team, and if you see her approaching you in the parking lot, you’d better hope she’s looking for jumper cables.

TV Morning Show We’re goofy in the mornings. And we want some goofy TV to go with our Cheerios and coffee. That’s not to say that the hosts of WJZ’s Morning Edition, Marty Bass and Don Scott, are always clowning around; they give us the same news, weather, and traffic as the other guys. They just serve it with a welcome side-order of silliness.

TV Sports They do a great job with the major league coverage and highlights, and omnipresent sports anchor Scott Garceau’s been the voice of the Ravens for years, but here’s why we we think WMAR’s sports department scores the winning goal: local coverage. Sure, the other stations do a good job, but WMAR just seems to go the extra mile, covering prep and high school teams and local college football and lacrosse. We love that we can turn on our TV and catch sportscaster (and Brooklyn Park product) Keith Mills excitedly talking about the upcoming Johns Hopkins vs. Towson U. lax game.

TV Weatherman Yes, we know the weather here is nuts. One month, it’s hot as Hades; the next, there’s two feet of snow. A good weatherman lets us know what is probably coming without making promises. He gives us what we need to know in a calm, rational delivery. And he never cries wolf (despite the urgency of the stations’ special weather alerts, rain is not a breaking weather crisis, folks—it’s rain). So, while all of our town’s weathermen are exemplary, we tune in to WBAL’s Tom Tasselmyer.

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SERVICE

Bike Repair It doesn’t have the huge stock of a big-box store and it’s only beenin business three years, but Donald Rucker’s Fleet Street Cycles, 2029 Fleet St., 410-276-2029, has already earned a reputation for great service and lightning-fast repairs. “Even during the peak season, we can get you back out and riding within 24 hours,” says Rucker. Of course, he’ll also happily sell you a new bike, whether it’s for the casual rider or the professional (a few of his clients are very serious team cyclists).

Car Repair If your mechanic just handed you a laundry list of needed repairs but the estimate sounds too steep, head over to Comprehensive Car Care, 923 Cathedral St., 410-539-1068, for a second opinion. Robert Wagner and his cheerful staff do first-class work, often for much less than the going rate.

Car Wash There’s no competition when it comes to WashWorks Car Wash, 2030 N. Howard St., 410-837-9274, for fast, reliable service. While sipping free coffee in the comfy waiting room, customers can watch a group of guys do a final wipe-down that rivals the pits at Indy. And after nine washes, you get a free Superwash!

Cobbler Dan Brothers Shoes, 1032 S. Charles St., 410-752-8175, is known among its loyal business clientele for giving a second life to well-worn oxfords and providing exceptional personal service. “They actually call me at my office and tell me my shoes are ready,” reports one downtown attorney.

Color Consultant It’s time to stop wearing all black! For $25, Paula Notarangelo, Color Me Beautiful, 410-296-4751, provides color swatches of the best hues to match your complexion and hair color. She also will weed out colors that don’t work in a wardrobe and consult on makeup. One redheaded client said she had ruled out wearing red until Paula suggested a brick shade that was perfect.

Computer Repair (Mac) In certain circles, Mark Dent and George Brecht ofChesapeake Systems, 3000 Chestnut Ave., Suite 117, 410-337-2750, are considered miracle workers: One desperate customer, who was about to send her computer to Mac headquarters for treatment, had her problem solved over the phone—at no charge. “I was so happy that I sent them a $100 gift certificate to a local restaurant,” she says.

Computer Repair (PC) For more than a decade, Paul Moscatt and his gang at theLittle Shop of Hardware, 3252 Keswick Rd., 410-467-4631, have been coming to the rescue when computers call in sick. As one satisfied customer put it, “They can usually get to you quickly and their rates are reasonable. Plus, they’re honest—if they can’t fix something, they’ll tell you and not try to up-sell you on some expensive solution or product.”

Desperate Housewives’ Delivery Service Ever feel like one more trip to the grocery store will push you into the abyss? Eliminate the drudgery of food shopping with Giant Food’s new online delivery service, Peapod, www.peapod.com. Peapod is a dream come true for multi-tasking parents—catch up on paperwork, weed your garden, and wait for your Gerber delivery all at the same time.

Dog Groomer For high-maintenance poodles and other persnickety breeds, Kathy Phillips, The Groomery of Mt. Washington, 1619 Sulgrave Ave., 410-367-3647, is praised by pooch owners for keeping their babies impeccably coiffed. Her shop may not look glamorous, but the lucky dogs leave brushed, washed, blow dried, and beaded—not to mention pampered by Kathy.

Dry Cleaner Lord Baltimore, 6 Central Ave., Glyndon, 410-833-5200, has a fleet of eight trucks for convenient pick-up and delivery. But it’s their skilled service that has earned them the trust of local performing artists, who bring Lord Baltimore their most delicate costumes. And they’re honest, too! One customer reported that an expensive brooch left on her suit was returned the next day.

Electrician Owners Bill Winn and Arnold Friedlander of Winn Electric, 3 Spring House Rd., Lutherville, 410-484-5544, still show up themselves to give estimates on all jobs—even with 10 trucks and about 150 jobs a week. A third partner, Eric Gelvar, is often at the work site. The company, which has been in business since 1985, specializes in older homes, and can do it all, from total rewiring to outdoor circuits and stand-by automatic generators.

Fabric Store Calico Corners, several locations including 2060 York Rd., Lutherville, 410-252-7900, has one of the largest selections of competitively priced fabrics—in all, about 1,000 prints and solids from which to choose. The store boasts exclusive color waves from Laura Ashley, Ralph Lauren, P. Kaufman, and Sunbrella.

Floor Refinishing It’s a messy business. So it’s not surprising that customers remark on the tidiness of Cletus G. Niesslein, owner of Baltimore Floor Works, 142 Railroad Ave., Westminster, 410-239-1912. Before sanding and refinishing old floors, he and his crew seal adjacent areas with plastic sheeting and tape. The end result? Beautiful floors without the need for a separate clean-up crew.

Flower Arrangements Looking for something that is tasteful and traditional, but not funereal? Try Radebaugh Florist and Greenhouses, 120 E. Burke Ave., Towson, 410-825-4300, a family-owned business that creates consistently beautiful bouquets. Topiaries, wreaths, and fresh cuttings are available seasonally in their gift shop.

Garden Center Okay, we know all about the weekend traffic jams at Valley ViewFarms, 11035 York Rd., Cockeysville, 410-527-0700, whether it be the pumpkin-and-cider crowds in the fall or the Christmas display groupies in the winter. But let us not forget that Valley View is, at its heart, a great retail garden center, particularly strong for novice gardeners looking for larger trees and shrubs and lots of sensible advice.

Home Inspector We recommend looking to 25-year veteran Stephen R. Dallmus, 410-323-7600, before committing yourself to a hefty mortgage. He recently identified synthetic stucco (or EIFS) in one half-million-dollar Baltimore County home (EIFS is notorious for having problems with water retention and mold). After consulting with an EIFS expert, the buyers found $35,000 in damage. Needless to say, they didn’t sign on the dotted line. Real estate agents must hate this guy!

House Painter Keith Slater prides himself on not taking shortcuts and, in his line of work, that means a lot of scraping and sanding. Slater Painting, 410-371-4210, specializes in historic restoration and is particularly known for his “painted ladies” in Charles Village, many of which feature three or more vibrant, complementary colors.

Landscape Architect Mahan Rykiel Associates Inc., 800 Wyman Park Dr., 410-235-6001, took home two merit awards this year from the Maryland-Potomac chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects competition. Headed by Catherine Mahan, who holds a master’s degree in landscape architecture from the University of Virginia, the on-the-rise firm has projects underway from Roland Park to Portugal.

Neighborhood Grocer It’s those Southern niceties—such as greeting you at the door, unloading your grocery cart, and helping you to the car—that keep customers coming back to Eddie’s of Roland Park, 5113 Roland Ave., 410-323-3656. A great location in the heart of the neighborhood and ready-made comfort food (like crab cakes and Caesar salad), plus a top-notch catering service, also contribute to its faithful following among yuppies and seniors alike. Did we mention they sell wine and liquor, too? Bonus!

Old-Fashioned Mechanic Bobby Babcock, Babcock Service Center, 237 Cockeysville Rd., Cockeysville, 410-785-2770, is a self-described “motor head,” who will fix cars, boats, motorcycles, tractors, and pretty much anything else you put gas in. A weekend motorcycle racer at Timonium Fairgrounds, he has customers from as far away as Columbia, who give him high marks on both his character and mechanical ability. His wife Cathy and son Ryan also work at the shop, which opened in August 1989.

Paint Store When paint shopping, take a tip from designers: Budeke’s Paints Inc., several locations including 2103 Greenspring Dr., Timonium, 410-560-1230, offers one of the best palettes around, and their color-matching technology is top-notch. An entire store wall is devoted to the slew of hues and sheens available from Benjamin Moore and Fine Paints of Europe. Decorating consultants are on hand to help and the sales staff will lug those heavy paint cans to the car.

Personal Chef No time to cook, but hungry for herb- and garlic-crusted pork tenderloin, blackened chicken, pasta alfredo, or pecan crunch salmon? A graduate of the Baltimore International College, Kelly Kern, Gourmet Anyday, 410-532-7610, will shop for you in the morning and prepare dinner in your own kitchen. She has set meal plans, but will customize for special diets.

Personal Trainer When he’s not coaching professional boxers, Alexander Gutman, Bare Hills Sportsplex, 1422 Clarkview Rd., Pikesville, 410-823-2500, is ready to show the rest of us how to throw a punch and use the techniques of pros to gain cardiovascular fitness and muscle tone. A Russian-born and titled boxer, he moved to Baltimore eight years ago armed with a degree in physical training and, apparently, a burning desire to get Baltimoreans in shape.

Picture Framer The well-trained eyes of MICA graduates make Framin’ Place, several locations including 1350 Smith Ave., 410-433-3434, a favorite for those looking for anything from a period frame to a hand-gilded model. The business specializes in museum-quality framing and conservation work, and counts Peabody Institute among its clients.

Plumber Pay them per visit or, for a flat monthly rate, BGE Home plumbers, 888-243-4663, will make an unlimited number of calls to your home to unclog drains, fix leaky faucets, and tackle other would-be plumbing nightmares. The new Smart Service contract also covers parts for exposed pipes. Their plumbers are efficient, show up on time, and guarantee their work—and you can make installment payments on your BGE bill.

Rug Cleaner It may look like a throwback to the 1950s, but Kleenize Rug Cleaners, 6300 Falls Rd., 410-825-4144, still gets the dirty job done. Family-owned-and-operated since 1947, the cleaner specializes in Oriental rugs, but will tackle the formidable job of deodorizing and disinfecting nearly any floor covering.

Salon When you are in the limelight, there’s no room for a bad hair day. Just ask WJZ 13 anchor Sally Thorner. Since she started going to Uno Tuluoglu of Uno the Salon, 10751 Falls Rd., Green Spring Station, 410-821-9080, she’s been getting daily calls and emails from approving fans. The secret? Extra layers and highlights for a more flattering look.

Screen and Glass Repair Tired of that cracked glass in the storm door? Of swatting at the flies and mosquitoes that waltz into your house through the torn screen window?Stebbins Anderson, 802 Kenilworth Dr., Towson, 410-823-6600, doesn’t make house calls, but if you can get that aluminum door or torn screen to Joe Szaller and his crew, they’ll do their darndest to turn things around as quickly as possible.

Tent Rental Loane Bros., 1302 E. Joppa Rd., Towson, 410-823-6050, started out as a sail-maker in 1815, but when steam-powered ships took the wind out of their sails, they turned to awnings and then tents. Today, the family-owned firm will customize a tent of nearly any size for any occasion—whether for a small backyard wedding or a corporate event on a football field.

Tailor Looking for something novel for the next soiree? Not a perfect size 6? Custom dressmaker Rae Cumbie, 410-377-0706, works with clients to design the frock of their dreams. She specializes in wedding and bridesmaid dresses, as well as stylish evening gowns. She also has a knack for fitting vintage details into a new garment.

Tree Service Homeowners in the region’s leafiest neighborhoods know that Mother Nature sometimes needs a little help. That’s where the arborists at The Davey Tree Expert Co., 6101 Falls Rd., 410-377-4002, come in. They care for healthy trees, clean up fallen limbs after storms, and safely topple those giant trees that have become dangerous.

Upholsterer Maurice McCray from Maurice’s House of Art, 908 S. Charles St., 410-685-4239, certainly does not come cheap—but his clients say he is worth it. He is known for his attention to detail in transforming turn-of-the-century chairs into contemporary showpieces with the finest velvets, brocades, and tapestries.

Veterinarian Dubbed the “Village Vet” among locals, Dr. Robert Berry, Animal Medical Center of Mt. Washington, 1620 Sulgrave Ave., 410-367-8111, has been caring for local felines and canines since 1997. The center has the latest ultrasound and laser equipment for surgery. With a staff of 15, the small facility prides itself on lavishing plenty of TLC on both patients and boarders, and at fair prices.

Windshield Repair Driving down the beltway, your windshield is transformed into a crystalline spiderweb by rocks that have flown off a dump truck. Who ya gonna call?Smith Auto Glass, 939 York Rd., Towson, 410-296-4777, pioneered the mobile business in Baltimore back in 1961. This family company, which provided the glass for the main engine in Ladder 49, also specializes in convertible tops and car upholstery.

SHOPPING

Accessories It looks like a Vogue magazine spread exploded at Treasure House, 9163 Reisterstown Rd., Pikesville, 410-363-4110, where a mother-daughter team have turned their small boutique into a chic replica of the accessories department at a high-end store. Designer handbag brands like Botkier, Gustau, Kooba, Lambertson Truex, and Longchamp line the shelves. Look also for expansive jewelry offerings—like the delicate 14k gold necklaces by Adina, whimsical enamels by Michal Negrin, and flawless Cartier copies—at unbeatable prices.

Classic Chic Tucked away in a quaint brick rowhouse with lemon-yellow trim, Sitting Pretty, 35 Maryland Ave., Annapolis, 410-267-1722, is one of Annapolis’s best kept secrets. Owners Emily Giebel and Wendy Pierce have perfected the art of personalized service, offering a smartly edited collection of designer sportswear arranged by color palette in built-in wall cabinets. In one cabinet, a pair of pink Christopher Blue seersucker pants are matched with a comfy yellow James Perse T-shirt, which then can pair with a yellow-and-pink harlequin cotton skirt by Milly. “It’s kind of like Garanimals,” cracks Giebel.

Crafting Headquarters Scrapbookers, we have found your slice of heaven:Recollections, several locations including 55 W. Aylesbury Rd., Timonium, 410-560-0367, offers an extensive assortment of mats, art supplies, paper, and albums, plus you can go right next door to sister store Aaron Brothers for top-of-the-line custom framing services. Novices can sign up for free beginner classes. Looking to organize a scrapbooking party? (Yes, they exist.) Recollections now organizes private parties, where you can cut and paste to your heart’s content.

Costume Jewelry A gem of a store just across from Cross Street Market, Zelda Zen, 46 E. Cross St., 410-625-2424, stocks an excellent selection of stylish earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and small gifts. The chunky coral and turquoise necklace laced with rhinestones—with its ethnic vibe and matching earrings—was a steal for $65.

Discount Clothing Think discounted clothing means last season’s styles? Wrong! Divided by size as well as designer, Loehmann’s, 160 W. Ridgely Rd., Timonium, 410-252-7177, is on the cutting edge of the latest trends. We found a Ben Sherman white trench, originally $165, marked down to $59.99, and a rack devoted entirely to Michael Kors. Head into “The Back Room” to find dressier designer labels such as Anne Klein, Donna Karan, DKNY, and Helmut Lang.

Discount Shoes Can’t afford your shoe addiction? Then sneak over to DSW, several locations including 118 Shawan Rd., Hunt Valley, 410-584-9790, where you’ll be blown away by the slew of retail labels (BCBG, Nine West, and Steve Madden) at extremely reasonable prices (and that’s before you peruse the sales rack, where you get an additional 20-60 percent off).

Doggie Couture We wonder if Paris Hilton and Tinkerbell stopped by the Yuppy Puppy Pet Boutique, 8120 Main St., Ellicott City, 410-750-9663, when they were in town. At this posh pooch palace, you can dress your canine in the latest T-shirt styles (with expressions like “Spoiled Rotten” or “I Have Issues”), cart them around town in a swanky pet stroller by Midnight Pass (for a cool $189), or tote them in the Kwigy-Bo pet carrier favored by none other than Britney Spears! We’re thinking of nicknaming this place “Neiman Bark-us.”

Eveningwear When the Miss USA pageant came to town this spring, all the contestants flocked to Vasarri, 1636 Reisterstown Rd., Pikesville, 410-415-6333, for their evening gowns. No surprise there. Vasarri offers an amazing selection of gowns, from Melinda Eng, Carol Peretz, Skinz, Kevin Hall, Frivole, Jovani, Stephen Yearick, San Carlin, Gail Garrison, and more. While you’re there, you might as well snag a pair of Jimmy Choo sandals or Stuart Weitzman slingbacks to match your dress. Just don’t trip down the runway!

French-Country Antiques Bastille, 3620 Falls Rd., 410-338-0506, is long on French style, not on French attitude. Owner Marie-Noelle Walsh travels to her grandparents’ farm in France several times a year at which time she shops for the best authentic furniture and furnishings. She buys full estates from repossession sales, finding all sorts of treasures like the gorgeous Louis XV oak sideboard or the 18th-century mahogany armoire from Macon.

Handbags Whether you’re into python, metallics, grommets, or silks, The Purse Store, 25 Hooks Ln., Pikesville, 410-653-5002, can fulfill your every handbag fantasy. The hardest part will be picking between Lambertson Truex’s sleek leather shoulder bags or Un Après-Midi De Chien’s nylon totes. If you’ve been eyeing that Isabella Fiore caramel distressed leather hobo bag with whipstitching (worn by Katie Holmes!), it will be in the store just in time for the fall.

Hand-Crafted Jewelry The fashion forecast says color is in. You’d certainly know it atAmaryllis, 200 E. Pratt St., Gallery at Harbor Place, 410-576-7622, where the trend-o-meter is always spot on. Our favorites were Mary Louise’s 22k gold-filled necklace with topaz, turquoise, and peridot and Molly Velte’s stunning two-stranded, hand-knotted silk necklace with crystals and a large green square pendant with an etched Asian scene. Going forward, expect to find lots of wooden beads mixed with carnelian, smoky topaz, and coral.

Hippie Headquarters We want to live at Anthropologie, 825 Dulaney Valley Rd., Towson Town Center, 410-828-5521. We can bedeck ourselves in the store’s ever-changing rotation of romantic hippie-chic clothing and jewelry. We can light its wonderfully fragrant candles for serenity and warmth. We can lounge on their fabulous shabby chic furniture, eat off the funky pottery, read the handsome coffee table books, and bathe with the store’s collection of soaps and lotions. As for nourishment? We’ll send up a flare to the Food Court.

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Home Accessories

The Kellogg Collection, 6241 Falls Rd., 410-296-4378, has a fine selection of exclusive wall coverings, frames, baskets, lamps, rugs, antique prints, end tables, and other whimsical items for the English country home. For a fee, store designers will accessorize everything from the coffee table to the mantle.

Hostess Gifts True to its name, things are a bit on the fluffy side at Maribou Home & Gift, 6083 Falls Rd., 410-377-4881, where you can get everything from slippers to beverage cozies with a fur trim. But we’re equally drawn to the store’s great selection of pre-wrapped hostess gift baskets, nestled in cellophane and wrapped up with a pretty ribbon. Or, pick your price range and your favorite theme (say, spa or gourmet) and—with a day’s notice—you can customize your own basket and name your budget.

Jeans (Men) Only a few years ago, most guys couldn’t think beyond their Levi’s, but today’s savvy fellas have come to embrace the concept of designer jeans. No one does it better than Box of Rain, 1496 Reisterstown Rd., Club Centre, Pikesville, 410-415-6100. Hip owner Joe Uddeme gets what young men like and has handpicked (and test-driven) his fair share of dungarees. Favorites include Juicy Couture’s relaxed fit, Jean Paul Da’mage’s whisker-washed dark denim (with a higher rise and fuller leg), Paige’s premium dark denim, or the now ubiquitous Seven For All Mankind.

Jeans (Women) According to Women’s Wear Daily, the denim market is a $12.7-billion industry. While not all of that is spent at Classic Serendipity, 1809 Reisterstown Rd., Pikesville, 410-486-2277, they certainly add to the total. One of the hottest brands at the store is Antik, an edgy L.A. import priced at $200 (and up), recognized by its multi-color stitching and hand-finished antique washes. Other front runners include Stitch’s, aged in redwood barrels with buttons inspired by old Buffalo Indian coins; True Religion’s Big “T” jean, which is totally broken-in and pre-distressed; and Chip & Pepper’s micro-mini skirts and shredded denim.

Kitchen Store Are you a novice in the kitchen? A culinary wizard? Either way, Le Gourmet Chef, 10300 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia, 410-992-0930, will fulfill all of your gourmet needs. From garlic peelers to Silpat silicone mats, from cookbooks to menu organizers, this store is jam-packed with all things gastronomic. We found an entire aisle of sauces and dips as well as yummy samples throughout the store. A perfect place to stock up for parties, they even carry bucket-sized margarita mix.

Local Chain We think of Cloud 9, several locations including 2400 Boston St., 410-534-4200, as a youngish Anthropologie, just a little funkier and more reasonably priced. We can’t get enough of Free People’s cute embellished cardigans and peasant skirts or BCBG Girls sleek jersey separates. Cloud 9 also carries loads of adorable handbags, great shoes by Seychelles and Funky People, and tons of totally affordable costume jewelry and accessories.

Men’s Suits Want to look like Donald Trump? (Uh, his suits, not his hair.) Head over toJ.S. Edwards, 1809 Reisterstown Rd., Pikesville, 410-653-2266, and check out the selection of power suits by Canali, Hickey-Freeman, Boss, and Biella of Italy. Splurge on made-to-measure shirts by Individualized Custom Shirts, or choose one of the handsome dress shirts from Joseph Abboud, Fabio Inghirami, and Eton of Sweden. You’re hired!

Men’s Classic Clothing The always nattily attired Kenneth Himmelstein is like a walking billboard for his store, Samuel Parker Clothier, 1340 Smith Ave., Mt. Washington Mill, 410-464-6180. His well-appointed collection embraces dapper suits by Ralph Lauren, made-to-measure trousers by Samuelsohn of Canada, and fine-gauge cashmeres by Alan Paine. Neat stacks of crisp dress shirts stand at attention in an antique cabinet, while a color wheel of brightly hued silk ties tells a fashion story atop an oak table.

Mid-Century Modern Furniture Home Anthology, 91-95 Mellor Ave., Catonsville, 410-744-0042, is back in business! After a brief hiatus, owners Rob Degenhard and Nini Sarmiento have opened a vast new 5,000-square-foot space with an airy SoHo vibe. The showroom still offers the best mid-century modern pieces, like teak cube chairs covered in an orange Knoll-style fabric, signature Eames wire chairs with Eiffel tower bases, and Vladimir Kagan-style side tables. Our favorite additions are the Modular Arts wall installations, made from 32-inch square panels of sculptural gypsum.

Modern Furniture Welcome to the Mod Squad. If it’s über-modern, sleek, and chic, it must have come from Nouveau Contemporary Goods, two locations including 2400 Boston St., The Can Company, 410-342-7666. Where else can you get a candy-pink terry swivel chair by Globus or funky hand-painted furniture by Decorize? If you’re ready to pimp your crib, you’ll dig the playpen sofa (53 inches deep in black leather that feels like “buttah”). All you’ll need to complete the look is your remote control, a silk robe, and a cocktail.

New York-Style Boutique With its winking blend of West Village boho and SoHo sass, we always wondered if Shine Collective, 1007 A W. 36th St., 410-366-6100, was simply too hip for the room (namely, Hampden). Apparently not. They’ve just moved and expanded, and their new location features more clothing, more home goods (National Lust silk throw pillows), and the addition of Christian Sturgis’s 1960’s retro antiques. We found trippy T-shirts with cool screen prints from 2K by Gingham, Squidfire, Monsieur T, and Evil Genius. Loved the cutecanvas bags, luggage tags, and key chains with mirrors by Parcel by Loop.

Saturday Night Threads The next time you become paralyzed in front of your closet on date night, just defer to Katwalk, 243 W. Read St., 410-669-7100. Paint the town in Betsey Johnson’s sexy crochet party dresses or Grail’s embroidered denim. Feel like a celebrity in Rachel Roy’s sultry tops embellished with Swarovski crystals and glittery chains. Go funky in edgy T-shirts by Catch A Fire (designed by Bob Marley’s daughter) and Indian-inspired peasant skirts by Angie.

Shoes A girl can never have enough shoes! That’s the motto at Joanna Gray, 23 Village Sq., Village of Cross Keys, 410-435-2233—and we couldn’t agree more. The shop’s “who’s who” list of designers includes bejeweled flats from Beverly Feldman, whimsical modified clogs by Mere, raffia slides by Claudio Merazzi, and a small group of private label shoes made from Italian leather.

Sporting Goods We’re almost embarrassed to admit that we buy outdoor gear for style as well as performance at REI, 63 W. Aylesbury Rd., Timonium, 410-252-5920. Not to suggest the store doesn’t have stylish stuff. It’s just that the staff is so well-informed about things like wicking moisture on tents, Gore-Tex linings on gloves, and sidecut depth on snowboards, we hate to admit that we sometimes pick a raincoat because, well, the color matches our eyes.

Stationery An e-mail party invitation? We think not! Turn to The Pleasure of Your Company, 2360 W. Joppa Rd., Green Spring Station, Lutherville, 410-821-6369, for all your (non-cyber) stationery needs. Select the card you want—from Peter Pauper Press’s preppy bow-tied options to more upscale works from Anna Griffin and Crane—and the experienced staff will advise you every step of the way. They even offer an in-house calligraphy, stamp, and mailing service.

Trendy Sportswear If you’ve seen it in Lucky magazine, odds are you’ll see it atL’Apparenza, 6080 Falls Rd., Lake Falls Village, 410-372-0350. This tiny boutique packs a powerful fashion punch, selling hip lines like Tibi, Milly, Cynthia Steffe, Shoshanna, and (Baltimore native) Derek Green.

Upscale Clothing Let’s face it, Ruth Shaw, 68 Village Sq., Village of Cross Keys, 410-532-7886, still has the couture scene on lock down. Designer divas can get their fix of Jimmy Choo stilettos, Sergio Rossi boots, Kooba handbags, Paul Smith shirts, and Etro suits without having to jet to New York or London.

Urban Home Furnishings To the sound of Ibiza acid jazz, you can browse the riotous selection of urban-friendly home furnishings at the Whats In Store, 8307 Main St., Ellicott City, 410-750-2468. Having just settled into new, larger digs, the store’s eclectic style fuses a little ethnic bohemian (mirrored Buddha statues) with modern chic (a round tangerine ultra- suede ottoman by Gus), laced with a touch of French Country (an oversized painted pine armoire).

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