Best of Baltimore 2018

Written by Lauren Bell, Ron Cassie, Ken Iglehart, Christine Jackson, Lauren LaRocca, Jane Marion, Jess Mayhugh, Kaitlyn Pacheco, and Lydia Woolever with Lauren Cohen, Paige Adams, and Karmen Osei

Photography By Kate Grewal, Frank Hamilton, Mitro Hood, Mike Morgan, Christopher Myers, Matt Roth, Sean Scheidt, Scott Suchman, and Justin Tsucalas.

The news has been a little grim lately, so sometimes it’s good to take time out of your day and reflect on the things that make you happy and proud. That’s why we hope this issue—a celebration of the best that Baltimore has to offer in food, drink, arts, lifestyle, home, recreation, and media—will be as spirit-lifting to read as it was to write. From amazing cafes and restaurants to inspiring artists and institutions, to service professionals who go the extra mile for their customers, there’s a lot of great stuff—and extraordinary people—in this town. This issue is our chance to say, “Thanks, guys.”

Best of Baltimore winners share what the honor means to them.

Photo courtesy of Oscilloscope Laboratories.

ACTOR

McCaul Lombardi

At one point, local director Matt Porterfield was trying to get Tom Hardy to play the lead in his latest film, Sollers Point. Scheduling conflicts made that impossible, but Porterfield says it all worked out for the best—and it’s hard to argue with him. Instead, he cast Baltimore native McCaul Lombardi as the listless, self-destructive Keith, who’s fresh off house arrest and looking to make his way in the world. Porterfield’s films always have a deeply felt sense of Baltimore life, and Lombardi follows suit: There’s nothing actor-ish about him; he simply lives on screen. He gives Keith the restless energy certain street-smart young men have. It’s an electrifying performance and, if there’s any justice, it will make Lombardi a star.

Music

Photo courtesy of Pixilated.

Photo courtesy of Kei Ito.

USE OF SPACE

Afterimage Requiem

A chilling installation inside the Baltimore War Memorial paid homage to victims of the Hiroshima bombing through the family lineages of two MICA alums: Kei Ito (photographer), whose grandfather witnessed the explosion, and Andrew Paul Keiper (sound artist), whose grandfather helped develop the A-bomb. Borne partly out of necessity, because art cannot be hung in the space, 108 life-sized photograms of Ito’s body lying in various positions were placed on the floor, evoking a massacre. The show marked the first art exhibit in the space, and one that will not soon be forgotten.

Photo courtesy of Baltimore Museum of Art.

EXHIBIT

Odyssey: Jack Whitten Sculpture, 1963-2017

This massive undertaking is unique in its vision, dedicated to Whitten’s never-before-exhibited sculptural work. Composed of several rooms of spellbinding pieces, it’s worth more than one visit to the BMA. Whitten passed away in January, so the show also serves as a commemoration of his spirit­­­­—with large photographs of his workspace and personal items, such as his painted silver shoes, on view. A selection of enormous abstract Black Monoliths paintings—each of which he created for one of his idols when they died (Maya Angelou and James Baldwin among them)—makes us wish we could see what a Black Monoliths mosaic of Whitten himself might look like.

Photo courtesy of Baltimore Center Stage.

LEGACY

Kwame Kwei-Armah

When it was announced last summer that Kwame Kwei-Armah would be leaving his post as artistic director at Baltimore Center Stage after a seven-year run, you could almost hear the city art scene’s collective heart break. That was before we knew that the dapper Brit and celebrated thespian would be returning to his native London to head the world-renowned Young Vic. Thoughtful, gracious, and spirited, Kwei-Armah leaves the local theater scene better than he found it, breathing new life into his stage with a major facelift, a newly diversified audience, and fresh, bestselling shows, including his own directorial feats One Love: The Bob Marley Musical and Soul: The Stax Musical. We wish him the best of luck across the pond.

Photo courtesy of The Walters Art Museum.

MUSEUM WITHIN A MUSEUM

1 West Mount Vernon Place

After four years of rethinking Hackerman House—through meticulous cleaning of its chandeliers; unearthing of its decorative treasures, including wood-engraved ceilings; and several fresh coats of paint—the Walters Museum has transformed it into an art object. The newly named 1 West Mount Vernon Place celebrates Baltimore’s past and present through painting, sculpture, decorative arts, and interior design. Its sofas (yes, you’re allowed to sit on them) are museum chic yet comfy, a makerspace lets guests get hands-on, and contemporary pieces are displayed alongside ancient ones in a thought-provoking juxtaposition. The new space—free to the public—is quite a gift to Baltimore.

Photo courtesy of Scott Suchman.

Cocktail

Mmm That Sounds Good at Minnow

This Riverside restaurant, opened by the Lefenfeld brothers of La Cuchara fame, has quickly become our mecca for innovative cocktails. Working in the food lab at McCormick & Company to perfect cocktail techniques, the Minnow staff incorporates science in many of their drinks, including the aptly named Mmm That Sounds Good, a mix of rye whiskey, dry curaçao, and lemon. This colorful and layered cocktail is topped with a rose-colored strawberry foam dispensed from a nitrous oxide cartridge and garnished with dried rose petals. Thank you to the chemists—and bartenders like the affable Oscar—for making this drink possible.

Photo courtesy of Jai Williams.

Bar Food

Bluebird Cocktail Room

We have lauded the literary-themed Bluebird for its delicious cocktails since it opened in 2017, but don’t overlook the culinary side of the menu. Chef Pedro Matamoros—who came from Bethesda’s critically acclaimed Barrel and Crow—composes small, medium, and large dishes that are the ideal fit for this European-style space. Plates of yellow lentil hummus with harissa oil, lamb meatballs dipped in yogurt sauce, and a locally sourced steak with Parmesan frites will delight.

Sweet Stuff

Photo courtesy of Scott Suchman.

THAI

Khun Nine Thai

When we’ve heard the lament—“Baltimore needs more Thai food!”—we silently nod along, hoping to keep the hungry throngs away from our hidden gem spot. Alas, it’s time to celebrate this Mt. Vernon hole-in-the-wall, located next to Dooby’s in the former Thairish space. It’s easy to miss, but once you find it, you won’t soon forget the 20-seat restaurant and its tiny kitchen, helmed by chef-owner Kittisak Pimput, which turns out the tastiest lemongrass soup, pad Thai, and panang curry we’ve had in the state. Aromatic and full of spice, this piquant cooking has quickly become our new comfort food go-to, especially when shared with friends.

Photo courtesy of Scott Suchman.

VIEW

THE BYGONE

Baltimore is always beautiful to us, but even more so from the top of the Four Seasons at this chichi fine-dining spot. Dining up here on a clear day (or night) is like taking a helicopter tour, minus the fear factor. Enjoy unobstructed views of Camden Yards, the Domino Sugars sign, and the Key Bridge. (Squint hard, and there’s Towson Town Center in the distance.) But a view can only go so far. The scenery meets its match thanks to jazzed-up American classics.

BEER cheer

Photo courtesy of Kate Grewal.

SANDWICH

Grilled Cheddar “Spiked” at Artifact Coffee

Here’s a phrase you’ll never use again once you’ve tasted the real deal here: “Why order grilled cheese in a restaurant when you can make it just as easily at home?” Ha! At Artifact, they start with an earthy brown potato bread and then grill it to perfection with gooey, sharp cheddar cheese. But the ingenuity is in the “spiked” part: They add onions and house-made pickles to the mix (and throw a few more pickled veggies on the side of the plate for good measure). The result is a sandwich that is crunchy and cheesy and tangy all at the same time. Try that at home.

Photo courtesy of Scott Suchman.

Gelato

The Gelateria at Lupa Trattoria Romana

Outside Lupa’s Gelateria, the line says it all. Insiders queue up for some of the most authentic gelato we’ve had this side of Florence (where, in fact, gelato was invented). Brave the throngs and pick from one of 20 dreamy, creamy flavors made from seasonal flavors such as strawberry with fresh-picked strawberries. We heart the hazelnut and pistachio and hard-to-pronounce types such as zabaglione and stracciatella, but if you’re feeling indecisive, ask one of the stellar scoopers to come up with a custom combo just for you.

Photo courtesy of Kate Grewal.

Juice Bar

PLANTBAR

We’ve long been a fan of Plantbar in Belvedere Square thanks to its nutrient-packed, plant-based offerings. But now that they’ve opened a minimalist space in Harbor Point with even more options, we’re officially hooked. When there’s no time for lunch, we’ll opt instead for a Glow With It with apple, cucumber, kale, celery, parsley, and lime—which gives us an afternoon boost and works wonders for the skin. And Plantbar’s smoothie bowls are the most empowering way to start the day from nutritious (Matcha-Cado) to indulgent (Butter Cup).

Photo courtesy of Scott Suchman.

Bread

ROGGENART

Give us our daily bread, especially when it comes from this European-style bake shop that’s run by Nemanja Popov, a Serbian who grew up in Austria (got that?) and owns 15 additional bakeries abroad. Since its opening last year, we've stopped by almost daily for a fix. The artisanal loaves—hearty, dense, seed-packed—are a total standout. But if you crave sweet over savory, also consider the preposterously flaky chocolate croissant or the walnut brioche, though everything coming out of the oven is special.

Photo courtesy of Matt Roth.

Dog Park

Patterson Park

Looking for cuteness overload in Baltimore City? Search no further than a fenced-in grassy knoll on the east side of Patterson Park. Here, pups off all sizes, hairdos, and personalities romp off leash, liberally sniffing butts, chasing tails, and making new best friends. Whether you’re a lifelong pet owner or simply a fan of the four-legged, this canine paradise is a surefire way to brighten any day.

AFTER HOURS

Photo courtesy of The Orioles.

KIDS’ ACTIVITY

Camden Yards

Taking the kiddos to the ball game has always been pretty family-friendly, but this season, the Orioles made it even easier for young fans to enjoy Camden Yards. Through its new Kids Cheer Free initiative, children 9-and-under get a free ticket when parents buy an upper-deck seat. Over in the Kids’ Corner, the new Bird House interactive treehouse also stands tall among the classic moon bounce, bobbleheads, and Skee-Ball, while kid-approved concessions, like corn dogs, snowballs, and chicken nuggets (plus cheap beer for mom and dad), keep the little bambinos content through the final innings.

Photo courtesy of Matt Roth.

Comeback

Shake & Bake Family Fun Center

When Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh shut down this beloved West Baltimore skate rink last summer for much-needed repairs, she said of the community backlash, “You would have thought I shut down heaven.” Since its founding by Baltimore Colt Glenn “Shake & Bake” Doughty in 1982, the Upton recreational center had acted as a respite for some of the city’s most underserved residents, hosting countless roller-skating parties and family bowling nights. After a nearly $300,000 upgrade and grand re-opening this March, the center has returned to its former glory as a go-to place to lace up skates and celebrate the resilient history of the center—and its neighborhood.

Photo courtesy of University of Maryland Baltimore County.

UPSET

UMBC

Creative acronyms abounded when the UMBC Retrievers became the first No. 16 seed to beat a No. 1 seed in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. (“U Must Be Cinderella” and “University of Maryland, Bracket Crushers” were two favorites.) Of the roughly 30 million brackets filled out online, it’s estimated that only 2.18 percent picked correctly. UMBC's opponent, the Virginia Cavaliers, had only lost two games in the country’s toughest league—the ACC—and handily won their conference tournament. But thanks to a quick tempo on both offense and defense, and one unfortunately timed injury for the Cavaliers, the Catonsville boys were able to make history.

Photo courtesy of Christopher Myers.

Garden Guru

Peter Bieneman

Whether looking for advice on saving an anemic-looking Areca palm or landscaping a dark corner of your yard, folks from all around say, “We’ll ask Pete!” The general manager at Greenfields Nursery & Landscaping really knows his stuff—and holds free classes at the nursery to share that wealth of knowledge. He has a master’s degree in landscape architecture—but more importantly, is just flat-out passionate about plants.

Photo courtesy of Matt Roth.

DOLL REPAIR

Creative Expressions Doll Repair

Sandy Hohne hates to see a doll in distress: The former systems analyst is a lover of dolls of all vintages, from the 1800s to the present, and has turned her passion into a business, repairing these family heirlooms with the care and precision of a surgeon. Whether Raggedy Ann needs an arm or your grandmother’s China doll needs hair, she has a plan, using tools ranging from surgical clamps to drills and paint. Looking to make a new friend? She and partner Rita McCloskey also sell dolls.

DAMAGE CONTROL

Photo courtesy of Julie Lilienfeld.

New Space

Wishbone Reserve

Earlier this year, everyone’s favorite home treasure trove, Wishbone Reserve, made the move from their old Mt. Washington digs to the bustling Hampden shopping scene, and it’s safe to say it was a perfect fit. Their one-of-a-kind vintage home goods neatly complement the quirky Hampden aesthetic, and their new space is as impressive as the goods they offer, with giant barn doors covered in a vinyl decal by Anika Starmer, a glass roll-up garage door, and an industrial integrity that offers the perfect juxtaposition to their antique offerings.

Photo courtesy of Sean Scheidt.

Pet Spa

Reisterstown Pet Resort & Spa

Release the hounds! We’ve always thought of this place as one of the area’s best boarding kennels, with caring staffers, a vet on call, and lots of play time, but there’s much more to keep its guests wagging (or purring). There’s daycare, indoor and outdoor swimming privileges for fun or fitness, and grooming, too. And the setup is perfect: It’s on more than seven rural acres with 50,000-plus square feet of outdoor fenced-in play areas.

Photo courtesy of Christopher Myers.

Paint store

Budeke’s Paints

The line of contractors waiting for the doors to open might tip you off: Just like the rest of Baltimore, they count on Budeke’s for specialty paints and related products you can’t get anywhere else (liquid metallic finishes for your walls and ceilings, anyone?). Non-pros will also love the design center, offering advice on interior décor, paint colors, and fabrics. And this family-owned Benjamin Moore retailer has staying power: At 150 years, it’s one of America’s oldest independent paint stores. Happy birthday, Budeke’s.

Photo courtesy of Vernon Davis.

Blogger

Dayna Bolden

“Humble,” “genuine,” and “insanely stylish” are just some of the words that come to mind when thinking of lifestyle blogger Dayna Bolden. Her blog, which features posts on fashion, beauty, motherhood, and entrepreneurship, is as inspiring as it is relatable. With more than 55,000 people following her on social media, her honest posts about her day-to-day life, struggles, and successes are full of tips, tricks, and positivity aimed to help people achieve their goals. She also hosts local meet-ups to encourage like-minded ladies to meet and connect—insert girl power fist pump here.

Photo courtesy of Bekah Kay.

Makeup Artist

Jamaya Moore

Getting your makeup done professionally can be nerve-racking. The last thing you want is to end up looking like Mimi from The Drew Carey Show. Enter Jamaya Moore. A professional makeup artist, beauty expert, and author, Moore has worked with major national brands including Under Armour, Beats by Dre, and VH1—so you know you’re in good hands. Along with making her clients feel like their most beautiful selves, she also mentors other working makeup artists through her Pretty Much Academy, providing them with the kind of hands-on business coaching that will help them build their own brands.

Photo courtesy of Seoul Spa USA.

Oasis

Seoul Spa

Located at Security Square Mall, Seoul Spa is the hidden gem of the wellness world. While the empty mall could deter you, rest assured the spa is spacious and clean. You can choose a wet or dry sauna for relaxing, or schedule the one-hour treatment, which includes a whole-body scrub, a facial with a cucumber mask, and a full-body massage—life changing.

GET Fit

Photo courtesy of Sean Scheidt.

Beauty Bar

MAVEN Beauty Bar

Calling all beauty junkies and product hoarders: Maven Beauty Bar might just be downtown Frederick’s best-kept secret. The light-filled space on E. Patrick Street is full of the latest and greatest in clean beauty, skincare, and brow services. Peruse the shelves for cult favorite brands such as One Love Organics, Coola, and Indie Lee before heading over to the brow bar for an expertly executed brow transformation. Maven also carries organic makeup lines and offers in-store tutorials for different types of applications, guaranteeing you’ll leave putting your best face forward.

Photo courtesy of Liz Smoot.

Hair Colorist

Liz Smoot at Laboratorie

Whether you are looking for a complex fantasy color, the perfect highlights, or the most natural sun-kissed blond, Liz Smoot has you covered. As a senior colorist at Roland Park’s Laboratorie, Smoot specializes in hair painting, balayage, and corrective color. And her vibrant Instagram (@elizabethashleyy), full of client before and after photos, displays her wide range of skills while also bringing on a severe case of hair envy.

Photo courtesy of AP Photo/Patrick Semansky.

FORTITUDE

CAPITAL GAZETTE

“We are putting out a damn paper tomorrow.”

Hours after a gunman killed five people and injured two more inside the Capital Gazette offices in June, reporter Chase Cook’s tweet perfectly summed up the courage and resilience of his fellow Annapolis staffers. Those words will also be remembered as a defiant homage to his colleagues—editorial page editor Gerald Fischman, 61; editor and columnist Rob Hiaasen, 59; sports writer John McNamara, 56; sales assistant Rebecca Smith, 34; and community correspondent Wendi Winters, 65—with 75-plus years of combined experience among them. Daily newspaper work puts extraordinary demands on its professional practitioners, including long hours, hard deadlines, and low pay. By all accounts, this group was as talented and dedicated to their craft as they come. It goes without saying that their loved ones and friends will deeply feel their loss. Readers, no doubt shaken by the tragedy as well, will miss their commitment and contributions to the community that they gave their lives to serve.

Photo courtesy of Benjamin C. Tankersley.

Current Affairs Reporting

State of Addiction

WBAL-TV’s yearlong multiplatform news and investigative series, hosted by anchor Jason Newton, examined the ongoing opioid crisis across Maryland, utilizing the station’s deep pool of talent and resources. Chronicling local, state, and national efforts to confront the epidemic—as well as compelling personal stories of addicts and their families—State of Addiction earned Chesapeake Associated Press Broadcasters Association top honors for public affairs reporting.

NEW MEDIA

Photo courtesy of Frank Hamilton.

Columnist

E.R. Shipp

Earning a Pulitzer Prize in commentary for the New York Daily News—the first black woman to win in that category—E.R. Shipp’s byline ought to be a must-read. Since coming to Baltimore to help launch Morgan State’s School of Global Journalism & Communication in 2012, Shipp has also brought an informed and insightful take to The Sun’s op-ed page. With a law degree from Columbia (as well as master’s degrees in history and journalism), Shipp knows where this country has been—and the distance it needs to go—while addressing issues of race, equality, and criminal justice.

Photo courtesy of Frank Hamilton.

Dynamic Duo

Fern Shen and Mark Reutter

Led by former Washington Post staffer Fern Shen and former Sun reporter Mark Reutter, the Baltimore Brew is a must-read for its aggressive government accountability and City Hall reporting. Shen and Reutter connect the dots between developers, lobbyists, special interests, and city officials like no one else—for example, when former Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake officiated the Las Vegas wedding of powerful local lobbyists Lisa Harris Jones and Sean Malone. They’re currently suing the City Council and Police Department to end one-sided confidentiality agreements in police brutality cases.