NEWS

Baltimore Whiskey Company Brings Home The Gold: It’s been an exciting week for the Baltimore Whiskey Company (BWC). The Remington distillery’s new Epoch Rye Whiskey—the first of its kind to be distilled in Baltimore in more than 50 years—has been awarded a double gold medal by the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The coveted double gold distinction indicates that the spirit was given a unanimous gold rating by all judges. “Epoch Rye is the light at the end of a five-year tunnel for us, and we couldn’t be happier with our product,” BWC co-owner Max Lents said in a statement. “It’s amazing to see some of the most accomplished spirit tasters list it among the best Rye Whiskeys in the world.” The distillery was also recently awarded multiple gold medals from the New York International Spirits Competition. Aside from being named Maryland Distillery of the Year, BWC took home gold medals for its Shot Tower gin and coffee-flavored amaro from its Baltamaro line. The accolades come as BWC prepares to unveil its brand new facility and ramp up production at Union Collective this summer.

Heavy Seas Expanding its Taproom: Changes are on the horizon at Heavy Seas’ 23-year-old facility in Halethorpe. Next summer, the brewery will unveil a renovated taproom and new 15-barrel brewhouse that will allow the team to get creative with a limited-edition series unique to the taproom. Local designers have already begun planning their vision for the taproom, which will be seven times larger than the current space and feature reclaimed wood tables and a private event room. The facility will remain open throughout renovations. 4615 Hollins Ferry Road, 410-247-7822

Smoke Temporarily Closing at Cross Street Market: This weekend will be the last for diners to snack on brisket and pulled pork sandwiches at Smoke’s Federal Hill pop-up. After six months, the Cockeysville ’cue joint is closing up shop while construction continues inside Cross Street Market. But a post to Instagram indicates that the spot has every intention of coming back: “We can’t wait to return to the new market,” the post reads. “This thing is going to be sick!” The first phase of renovations on the Light Street side of the market are slated to debut this fall. In the meantime, diners can feast on Smoke’s fingerlickin’ fare at its flagship location in Cockeysville. 1065 S. Charles St.

Local Brunch Spots Awarded by OpenTable: Four Charm City restaurants were recently named among the 100 best brunch spots in the country by OpenTable. This year’s list gave nods to The Food Market in Hampden, Gertrude’s at the BMA in Charles Village, Rusty Scupper in the Inner Harbor, and Woodberry Kitchen in Clipper Mill. The list was narrowed down from more than 45,000 OpenTable reviews of brunch destinations throughout the country.

COMING SOON

Ludlow Market, Bar & Bottle Shop: Owner Christopher Spann is breathing new life into his restaurant and adjoining wine shop in the historic Foundry Building in Locust Point. The space was the longtime home of Spann’s Wine Market Bistro, which he closed in March due to lack of business. “The bistro side wasn’t hitting the necessary numbers,” he told us. Now, he is planning to launch a reimagined concept next month. Ludlow Market will offer an “upscale neighborhood” menu of shareables, sandwiches, and entrees sourced by local purveyors. Heading up the kitchen will be chef Christopher Audia, a Baltimore native whose resume includes stints at Tail Up Goat in Washington, D.C. and No. 9 Park in Boston. The Bottle Shop, which remains open throughout the turnover, will upgrade its offerings to focus more on beer and wine, as well as cured meats, cheeses, and other takeaway items. 921 E. Fort Ave. 410-244-6166

Italian Disco: A grand opening date has been set for this new ’80s-inspired pizza joint from Atlas Restaurant Group—which also owns Ouzo Bay, Azumi, Loch Bar, Bygone, and Tagliata in the area. Italian Disco will debut on Monday, May 18, featuring an elevated DJ booth and Wurlitzer jukebox. The menu will highlight wood-fired pies, sandwiches, and entrees paired with 50 craft beers on tap. 1006 Fleet St.

Papi’s Tacos: Come fall, Hampden locals won’t have to leave the neighborhood to chow down on Papi’s signature build-your-own street tacos. The Fells Point taqueria recently announced plans to open a second location in the former home of Dimitri’s Tavern on Falls Road. The spot will mimic the vibe of its flagship, with interior touches like exposed brick, strung lights, greenery, and plenty of sugar skulls. 3820 Falls Road.

OPEN

Urban Deli: This Federal Hill outpost quickly became a go-to for deli sandwiches and hangover breakfasts when it opened on Light Street in the spring of 2016. And it recently reopened in larger digs a few blocks north. Taking over the former home of Wok & Roll at 1025 Light Street, the new cafe features its signature coffee counter, bar seating, and pops of bright yellow throughout. The menu consists of deli sandwiches, wraps, paninis, salads, soups, and local Towson Hot Bagels. 1025 Light St., 443-708-0495.

EPICUREAN EVENTS

5/10: Creative Alliance Date Nights at Verde
Thursday evenings throughout May, Verde will be offering a special pairings dinner that includes a $20 discount on tickets to Thursday-evening shows at the Creative Alliance in Highlandtown. Head to the restaurant to enjoy a three-course prix fixe menu with options including roasted beet salad, burrata caprese, classic margherita and pistachio pesto pizzas, tiramisu, and imported hazelnut gelato. Mark your calendar for performances like Tuareg musician Mdou Moctor on May 10, musical comedian Dina Martina on May 24, and percussive dance quartet Duo Duo on May 31. 641 S. Montford Ave., 410-522-1000

5/17: Dinner for the Mamas of Baltimore: Flowers While I’m Here
Mother’s Day continues into next week at Ida B’s Table, where five female leaders will gather to host this intimate dinner and conversation. Enjoy a three-course menu from chef Dave Thomas while listening in on a discussion between MacArthur fellow Joyce J. Scott, actress Maria Broom, and performance artists Kibibi Ajanku, Rashida Forman-Bey, and Kay Lawal Muhammad. All five women are featured in the restaurant’s most recent art exhibition, SEEN, A Mother’s Intention, which will be on display from May 2-31. Ida B’s Table, 235 Holliday St., 6-8 p.m., $50.

SHUT

The BBQ: It was a short-but-sweet run for this Greenmount Avenue spot, which quickly became a destination for mouthwatering barbecue and sides when it opened last summer. Among the many foodies taking to social media to mourn the loss are the owners of Dovecote Cafe in Reservoir Hill. “Fam, running a small, black-owned business is extremely hard,” they posted to Facebook. “Please support our businesses, not just when it’s trending or ‘Small Business Week.’ We’re heartbroken.” The BBQ was recently named among Eater’s 12 hottest new restaurants in Baltimore. 2602 Greenmount Ave.

Rachel New American Cuisine: Speaking of short-lived spots, this Riverside restaurant has shuttered its doors after only 16 months. Regretfully, we are no longer open for service,” management posted to Facebook earlier this week. “The staff and ownership of Rachel are incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported our endeavor. Thank you to each of our guests and the entire Fed Hill community for allowing us to serve you.” Rachel, which was a hangout for charcuterie and cocktails, brunch, and dinner service—is the latest in a string of restaurant closures occurring throughout the area. There’s no word yet on what will become of the building. 554 E. Fort Ave.

We photographed this year’s Top Singles, the area’s 20 most eligible bachelors and bachelorettes, in settings that best fit their respective personalities. Whether we showed them being adventurous at the National Aquarium, inquisitive at the Peabody Library, creative at the BMA, or cultured at Verde Pizza, these spots made the ideal backdrop. (Not to mention we got to play with sharks, climb on sculptures, snack on pizza, and explore old books.) Just goes to show: This city is full of fun—you just have to know where to look!

SPONSORED BY
UNION WHARF

Ashley Mancinelli

39, manager, gift planning and major gifts, The Walters Art Museum, never been married

If you were stranded on a desert island and you could bring one . . . book? To Kill a Mockingbird. Movie? Top Gun. Food? Pasta with my dad’s homemade sauce. Celebrity dream date? I can’t deny my adoration for Justin Timberlake any longer. Favorite trip? Traveling to Australia for six weeks to study law. How do you stay fit? Run. This sometimes involves wearing a tutu or navigating an obstacle course in the mud, and most recently, a half-marathon. Your creative outlet: Handwritten notes. What’s something not everyone knows about you? I am probably the only Italian without a middle name. When the Ravens won the Super Bowl: I won a bet! I’m slightly biased since Joe Flacco graduated from my alma mater. How would you spend the Mega Millions? Take my dad to Italy, donate to a cause that funds cancer research, and, of course, pay off my student loans. In three words, describe your perfect fit: sincere, intelligent, romantic.

Christopher Vaeth

30, director, equity client services, Morgan Stanley, never been married

If you were stranded on a desert island and you could bring one . . . book? The Constant Gardener. TV Show? House Hunters International. Album? CSNY’s Déjà Vu. Food? Johnny Rad’s El Gato pizza with sausage and banana peppers. Celebrity dream date? Alexander Skarsgård. Favorite trip? One winter, I took my mother to Rome and Berlin, two cities in which I have lived and that hold a special place in my heart. Your creative outlet: Cooking! Food, wine, entertaining, and everything epicurean. Are you an animal lover? I have had dogs all my life and am volunteering with the SPCA. What’s something not everyone knows about you? I was a figure skater for the better part of my life, “retiring” and going to college at 21. When the Ravens won the Super Bowl: I spent the night in a very local corner bar full of unexpected elation. Your dream job? Running a B&B in the Swiss Alps. In three words, describe your perfect fit: kind, loyal, adventurous.

Brian Kleeman

40, professional race car driver, divorced, two kids: William, 12 and Rebecca, 10

If you were stranded on a desert island and you could bring one . . . TV show? The Office (UK). Movie? The Italian Job. Food? Steak and I’d have an unlimited supply of sea salt for it. Celebrity dream date? Olivia Munn. We would talk nerdy to each other. Your favorite trip? Italy. The history, artwork, and food are simply stunning. Your creative outlet? Life drawing. It’s incredibly relaxing. What would your last meal be? Shrimp scampi over linguini with a white wine cream sauce. What’s something not everyone knows about you? I will go to great lengths to avoid peas. When the Ravens won the Super Bowl: There was lots of noise, high fives, and minor gymnastics. Dream job? I already have it. I’ve wanted to race cars since I was a kid. How would you spend the Mega Millions? Buy the Pittsburgh Steelers and disband them——just for fun. In three words, describe your perfect fit: kind, confident, genuine.

Audrey Slade

32, director of public relations, Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore, never been married

If you were stranded on a desert island and you could bring one . . . book? Don’t Know Much About History by Kenneth C. Davis. TV Show? The Newsroom. Album? Any Rolling Stones album. Celebrity dream date? Adam Scott (golfer) or James McAvoy. Favorite trip? Spontaneous trip to the Cayman Islands with my sister and my best friend. How do you stay fit? Barre, Pilates, and I walk a lot. Your creative outlet? Karaoke. What would your last meal be? Omakase from chef Jonah [Kim] at PABU. He knows me well and would include a happy spoon, ribs, fried chicken, and sashimi. What’s something not everyone knows about you? I was named after Audrey Hepburn. When the Ravens won the Super Bowl: I was thrilled for Baltimore to get recognition for something other than The Wire. How would you spend the Mega Millions? One-third to charity, one-third to travel, and one-third in savings. In three words, describe your perfect fit: intriguing, witty, generous.

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Noelle Hopper

28, director of strategic communications, St. Paul’s School for Girls, never been married

If you were stranded on a desert island and you could bring one . . . book? Can I bring my iPad? Movie? A League of Their Own. Food? My Buffalo chicken dip. Celebrity dream date? Rupert Friend——tall, dark, and handsome never looked so good. Your creative outlet? Coaching the girls’ club lacrosse team. Are you an animal lover? #Bulldoglover. What would your last meal be? My mom’s Armenian home cooking. What’s something not everyone knows about you? I’m addicted to hand sanitizer. If you could invite any three people to dinner, who would they be? Jane Austen, E. L. James, and my friend EJ. (She always shares her dessert.) When the Ravens won the Super Bowl: It was Christmas in Baltimore! How would you spend the Mega Millions? Hi, you’ve reached Noelle’s voicemail. I’m on a tropical island enjoying Bloody Marys and sunbathing in the company of my favorite people. In three words, describe your perfect fit: honest, confident, engaging.

Kyle Juszczyk

22, fullback, Baltimore Ravens, never been married

If you were stranded on a desert island and you could bring one . . . movie? The Departed. Album? Some Nights by Fun. Food? Pierogies. Celebrity dream date? Blake Lively. How do you stay fit? It’s my job. Your creative outlet? Cooking. I prefer home-cooked meals rather than going out. Are you an animal lover? To many people’s surprise, I have a 17-year-old cat named Jumpy. What would your last meal be? Mom’s baked chicken, pierogies with sautéed onions, creamed corn, and steamed carrots with ginger. If you could invite any three people to dinner, who would they be? Wayne Chrebet, Tim Tebow, and Aziz Ansari. When the Ravens won the Super Bowl: I was happy for Ray Lewis to go out with a championship. How would you spend the Mega Millions? Buy land in southern Ohio for my brothers and myself to build a lake house. In three words, describe your perfect fit: witty, outgoing, driven.

Julie King

52, letter carrier, US Postal Service and owner, JK Management, divorced, two kids: Jay, 31 and Chandler, 20

If you were stranded on a desert island and you could bring one . . . book? The Secret by Rhoda Byrne. Movie? This is 40. Album? The Sea by Corinne Bailey Rae. Celebrity dream date? Mark Wahlberg or Anthony Mackie. How do you stay fit? Deliver mail, crunches, curls, squats, jumping jacks. Your creative outlet? Laughter! What would your last meal be? Fish, mashed potatoes, greens, and macaroni and cheese. What’s something not everyone knows about you? I graduated cum laude from Towson University when I was 44. If you could invite any three people to dinner, who would they be? John Legend, Michael Jackson, and Richard Pryor. When the Ravens won the Super Bowl: It was epic! I was so proud. Your dream job?
An Entertainment Tonight/E! news correspondent. How would you spend the Mega Millions? Pay debt, give to charity, open a comedy club, buy homes for my family. In three words, describe your perfect fit: charismatic, funny, kind.

Arman Taghizadeh

36, psychiatrist, never been married

If you were stranded on a desert island and you could bring one . . . book? The Happiness Project by Rachel Dubin. TV Show? Scrubs. Album? Decade of Decadence by Mötley Crüe. Celebrity dream date? Jillian Michaels (even though she doesn’t date men) or Jennifer Lawrence. How do you stay fit? Running and lifting weights. (They call me Pocket Hercules at the gym!) What would your last meal be? Steamed crabs with a cold Natty Boh. What’s something not everyone knows about you? I strongly considered art school prior to getting a wrestling scholarship for college. If you could invite any three people to dinner, who would they be? Nelson Mandela, Ben Carson, and Ray Lewis. When the Ravens won the Super Bowl: I was there! I screamed, cried, and hugged my brother. How would you spend the Mega Millions? Pay off my school loans, upgrade my Ravens season tickets, and take my family traveling. In three words, describe your perfect fit: witty, athletic, confident.

Dennis Shields

41, art teacher, Kenwood High School, never been married

If you were stranded on a desert island and you could bring one . . . book? Men’s Health. Movie? Wedding Crashers. Album? Any Kenny Chesney. Celebrity dream date? Jana Kramer. How do you stay fit? I go to the gym and play volleyball. Your creative outlet? I’m an artist, so I paint and draw a lot. Also play the guitar. What would your last meal be? Stuffed rockfish (with extra crab meat) and a loaded sweet potato with Vaccaro’s colossal waffle for dessert. What’s something not everyone knows about you? In middle school, I had a perm in the back of my head with feathered hair up top. If you could invite three people to dinner, who would they be? Vincent van Gogh, Babe Ruth, and Chris Rock. Your dream job? Professional baseball player or guitarist in a band. In three words, describe your perfect fit: intelligent, attractive, entertaining.

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Will Harrison

38, owner, West Arlington Consulting Group, never been married

If you were stranded on a desert island and you could bring one . . . book? The Bible. Movie? American Gangster. Album? Thriller. Celebrity dream date? Tamara Taylor from Bones. Your favorite trip? While stationed in the Army, I got to visit Niihau in Hawaii, aka the “Forbidden Island.” How do you stay fit? Run, lift, repeat. What would your last meal be? Surf and turf from The Prime Rib. What’s something not everyone knows about you? I once sold cars. Trust me, the dealership is not your friend. If you could invite three people to dinner, who would they be? Colin Powell, Bill Gates, and Reginald Lewis. When the Ravens won the Super Bowl: I thought, ‘Did the lights really go out in the Superdome?’ How would you spend the Mega Millions? Can you say Hangover Part IV? In three words, describe your perfect fit: ambitious, independent, dreamer.

Chelsea Needel

29, social worker, R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center at University of Maryland Medical Center, never been married

If you were stranded on a desert island and you could bring one . . . book? The local island newspaper. Movie? Dirty Dancing. Album? Summer Jams 2000 mix CD my best friend made. Food? Bananas. Celebrity dream date? Mark Wahlberg. Your favorite trip? Cambodia with my older brother. How do you stay fit? City Sweat boot camp at Charm City Fitness. What would be your last meal? My mom’s cooking—kishka and a side of chopped liver. If you could invite three people to dinner, who would they be? My grandparents, whom I never got the opportunity to meet. When the Ravens won the Super Bowl: I thought, ‘I should have gone.’ Your dream job? Working for the CIA (has a little something to do with Homeland). How would you spend the Mega Millions? Save/invest a large portion of it. In three words, describe your perfect fit: Just need one—’Bashert.’

Mark McTamney

29, director of marketing, Parking Panda, never been married

If you were stranded on a desert island and you could bring one . . . book? A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin. TV Show? Breaking Bad. Album? The Black Album by Jay-Z. Celebrity dream date? Blake Lively. Your favorite trip? Weeklong cruise through the Caribbean. How do you stay fit? Gym and, sadly, trying to relive my glory days in social-league sports. Are you an animal lover? Absolutely. People who don’t like dogs can’t be trusted. What’s something not everyone knows about you? I sound like an angel when singing karaoke. If you could invite three people to dinner, who would they be? Dave Chappelle, David Blaine, and Leonardo DiCaprio. When the Ravens won the Super Bowl: I celebrated on the town with friends, but I’m a diehard Eagles fan. Your dream job? Startup CEO. How would you spend the Mega Millions? Private islands, robot servants, pet tigers, yachts, unicorns. The works. In three words, describe your perfect fit: witty, driven, easygoing.

Carrie Podles

40, owner, Alexander’s Tavern, never been married, one kid: Alexander, 12

If you were stranded on a desert island and you could bring one . . . book? Lord of the Rings. TV Show? Scandal. Movie? Return of the Jedi. Food? Stovetop butter popcorn. Celebrity dream date? Ryan Reynolds. Your favorite trip? Las Vegas, every time. How do you stay fit? Run and the occasional sit-up. Are you an animal lover? Yes! Except for hermit crabs. My son brought one home from the beach, and we are failing to bond. What would your last meal be? Gluten. Every form of gluten. What’s something not everyone knows about you? I love riding horses. Growing up, I wanted to be a jockey. If you could invite three people to dinner, who would they be? Arty Donovan, Ellen DeGeneres, and my late father. When the Ravens won the Super Bowl: There were tears, pride, and lots of hugs with strangers. How would you spend the Mega Millions? Slowly. In three words, describe your perfect fit: funny, relaxed, honest.

Ginger Robinson

33, attorney, The Law Office of Ginger R. Robinson, never been married

If you were stranded on a desert island and you could bring one . . . TV Show? The original 90210. Album? Make Yourself by Incubus. Food? Brie and gingersnaps. Celebrity dream date? Brandon Boyd: good hair, good ink, good ideals. Your favorite trip? A solo road trip to Savannah; each meal was better than the next. How do you stay fit? I thank my mother. If you could invite three people to dinner, who would they be? Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Madonna, James Madison. When the Ravens won the Super Bowl: No one deserved it more than Ray. He’s done amazing things for this town. Your dream job? Playing bass in a metal band. How would you spend the Mega Millions? I think it’s about time someone brings basketball back to Baltimore. In three words, describe your perfect fit: confident, compassionate, clever.

Tim Gober

33, owner/CEO, Baltimore Pain Relief Center, never been married

If you were stranded on a desert island and you could bring one . . . TV show? Boardwalk Empire. Album? OK Computer by Radiohead. Food? Wasabi and soy sauce for the sushi I will catch. Celebrity dream date? Mila Kunis. Your favorite trip? South Africa for the World Cup, safari, and great-white diving. How do you stay fit? Triathlons and club soccer. What would your last meal be? Roast rack of lamb, grilled asparagus, and garlic mashed potatoes. What’s something not everyone knows about you? I make gourmet pickles. The more sour, the better. If you could invite three people to dinner, who would they be? My great-grandfather George, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Will Ferrell. How would you spend the Mega Millions? Grant myself more vacation days to travel to cities around the world. In three words, describe your perfect fit: vibrant, adventurous, creative.

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Jayesh Jariwala

37, project manager, Applied Control Engineering, never been married

If you were stranded on a desert island and you could bring one . . . TV show? Lost series. Movie? Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner? Food? Pizza! Celebrity dream date? Zooey Deschanel. She is quirky and smart. Your favorite trip? A 15-day trip to southern Japan and South Korea. What’s your creative outlet? Robots! I mentor local students and teach them how to program and build a robot. What would your last meal be? My mom’s curry chicken. What’s something not everyone knows about you? How much I get wrapped up in movies and shows. It’s a great escape. If you could invite three people to dinner, who would they be? Napolean Hill, Mahatma Gandhi, and my father. When the Ravens won the Super Bowl: I am a transplant, and it was so exciting to see a time ignite the city so much. In three words, describe your perfect fit: confident, adventurous, passionate.

Jennifer Quinn

32, director of marketing, The Woodmont Company, never been married, one kid: Logan, 4

If you were stranded on a desert island and you could bring one . . . TV Show? Scandal. Movie? Top Gun. Album? Tri-State by Above and Beyond. Celebrity dream date? Ryan Reynolds. Your favorite trip? Driving across Europe with six friends in a Tahoe. How do you stay fit? Chasing after my 4-year-old. Mommy muscles. What’s your creative outlet? I like to paint. And I’m beginning to take cello lessons again. What would your last meal be? I’m a steak and potatoes kind of gal. What’s something not everyone knows about you? I was a state champ in archery. I’m the real life Katniss. If you could invite three people to dinner, who would they be? Gwen Stefani, Jennifer Lawrence, and Jacoby Jones. When the Ravens won the Super Bowl: I screamed, ‘I knew it!’ Your dream job? Own my own fashion boutique in the city. In three words, describe your perfect fit: tall, adventurous, honest.

Heather Keating

33, marketing and communications manager, Creative Alliance, never been married

If you were stranded on a desert island and you could bring one . . . TV show? Gilligan’s Island. Movie? To Catch a Thief. Food? Cheese! Celebrity dream date? Easy. Johnny Depp. Your favorite trip? Surfing in Costa Rica. How do you stay fit? Sign up for every random sport in the city——floor hockey, beach volleyball, broom ball. What is your creative outlet? I’ve been a freelance photographer for the past 10 years. What would your last meal be? Lobster mac and cheese and a bottle of red. What is something not everyone knows about you? I had a pet baby iguana for a month. We were mutually terrified of each other. If you could invite three people to dinner, who would they be? Etta James, Andy Warhol, and Christopher Walken. When the Ravens won the Super Bowl: I watched the party in Fells Point and was really cold. Your dream job? I might have it! How would you spend the Mega Millions? Travel, swanky meals, geeky camera stuff. In three words, describe your perfect fit: creative, quirky, curious.

Michael Allred

49, director of security, Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University, divorced, two kids: Casey, 19 and Clayton, 12

If you were stranded on a desert island and you could bring one . . . TV show? Breaking Bad. Movie? Castaway. Album? Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975) by The Eagles. Celebrity dream date? Kristin Wiig. Your favorite trip? Mission trip to build a deaf school in Jamaica. How do you stay fit? Work out and run. What is your creative outlet? Guitar. What’s something not everyone knows about you? I only have one kidney. If you could invite three people to dinner, who would they be? John F. Kennedy, Sylvester Stallone, and Stevie Nicks. When the Ravens won the Super Bowl: I felt elation and relief. What’s your dream job? Batman. How would you spend the Mega Millions? Give some to family and buy a ranch. In three words, describe your perfect fit: honest, intelligent, funny.

Terrance Reed

30, IT administration, Under Armour, never been married

If you were stranded on a desert island and you could bring one . . . TV show? The Simpsons. Movie? Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Album? Blueprint 3 by Jay-Z. Celebrity dream date? Paula Patton. Your favorite trip? Europe for my birthday: three countries, 10 days, countless shenanigans. How do you stay fit? Boxing is one hell of a workout. What’s your creative outlet? Music. Throw on a pair of headphones and let the ideas flow. What would be your last meal? Angus burger from Burger Bar in Amsterdam. If you could invite three people to dinner, who would they be? George Washington, Bob Marley, and my grandmother. When the Ravens won the Super Bowl: I was in a bar in Fells Point and excited to see how crazy it would get. Your dream job? Travel writer. In three words, describe your perfect fit: smart, funny, independent.

We photographed this year’s Top Singles, the area’s 20 most eligible
bachelors and bachelorettes, in settings that best fit their respective
personalities. Whether we showed them being adventurous at the National
Aquarium, inquisitive at the Peabody Library, creative at the BMA, or
cultured at Verde Pizza, these spots made the ideal backdrop. (Not to
mention we got to play with sharks, climb on sculptures, snack on pizza,
and explore old books.) Just goes to show: This city is full of fun—you
just have to know where to look!