From crab cakes and fall cocktails to spooky squid ink and Spanish cheese, this week is full of fun and unexpected ways to enjoy the Baltimore culinary scene. Here’s a look at what’s happening:

Openings & announcements

Mick O’Shea’s, which has been under construction since the underground fire that took place on N. Charles St. in late September, finally reopened on Wednesday.

Vessel, a new bar and lounge, has opened at the ROOST Baltimore hotel and apartment building. Vessel has both indoor and outdoor spaces and a cocktail menu with plenty of nods to port-city drinks.

Congratulations to Walker’s Tap & Table, which celebrated five years in business this week.

Speaking of anniversaries, Woodberry Kitchen marked 17 years in business this week. Congrats to the Woodberry team for its longevity and the impact its had on Baltimore’s dining scene.

In fast food news, Towsonites are getting a new Chick-fil-A this week. The restaurant, which is in the old Bob Evans spot, opens on Tuesday. To celebrate, the company is running a sweepstakes: people who live in nearby zip codes can enter to win free Chic-fil-A entrees for a year.

Café Campli has some lunchtime changes in the works. Starting Nov. 11, the Hamilton restaurant will begin opening at noon on Sundays, adding lunch to the lineup. However, starting Nov. 1, they will no longer serve Friday or Saturday lunch.

Sadly, Pavan Foods, the Indian restaurant and grocery in Parkville, closed this past Wednesday, after 24 years in business.

Happy 100^th to Grandma Beall

Grandma Beall, the matriarch of the Ledo Pizza empire, celebrated her 100^th birthday this past week. In honor of her birthday, Ledo’s is offering $1 fountain drinks through Sunday.

Oyster champs

Congrats to Dylan’s Oyster Cellar shucker Sydney Moran for taking home first place in the 2024 Women’s National Shucking Championship at the US Oyster Festival last weekend. Moran not only shucks at Dylan’s – she’s also the pastry chef.

New menus

Cosima has launched a new menu featuring more pizzas and comfort food as well as Sicilian street food-inspired dishes.

Magdalena’s updated fall cocktail list draws on local history, with drinks like the Homecoming Cocktail – a mix of Uncle Nearest Whiskey, apple spice and lemon olio, and a full Jazz Menu with drinks dedicated to legendary Baltimore jazz artists like Blanche Calloway and Ethel Ennis. These drinks will be available through November – so now is the time to go to try them.

Fried Chicken Thursdays are back at The Tilted Row. Every Thursday, the restaurant’s popular fried chicken dinner makes an appearance on the menu.

Maryland Crab Cake Festival

On Saturday, the Maryland Crab Cake Festival takes over the Carroll County Farm Museum. The kid-friendly event features live music, crab cakes from a bunch of great local restaurants, food trucks (it’s not all crab!), beer, wine, and fun vendors.

Ekiben at Black Ankle

The Ekiben crew is heading to Mt. Airy for a Saturday afternoon pop-up at Black Ankle Vineyards. The menu includes Neighborhood Birds, Tofu Brahs and more.

Ryes Up

On Sunday, the Baltimore Bartender Guild’s annual Ryes Up fundraiser for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Maryland takes place at The Winslow. The party is always a hit, with excellent drinks and food from local restaurants and bars – all benefiting a worthy cause.

Bunny’s turns Upside Down

Starting on Monday, Bunny’s becomes the Upside Down, with a spooky week of pop-ups planned. From Monday through Saturday, Bunny’s will welcome a killer lineup of chefs, winemakers, brewers and more – including Carlos Raba of Clavel and Nana, Tae Strain of Ggoma Supperclub, Jonah Kim (formerly of Pabu), and the crews from Toki Underground, Old Westminster Winery, and Peabody Heights – plus some additional surprises that have yet to be announced.

Taco Tuesday at Heritage

On Tuesday, the crew at Heritage Smokehouse has plans for a whole hog BBQ and an evening of pork (or vegetarian) tacos with all the fixings. The theme will kick off during a taco lunch featuring barbacoa, chicken and chorizo options, and continue through dessert – churros.

Pumpkins at Swallow

Also on Tuesday, Swallow at the Hollow hosts its 9^th annual pumpkin painting contest. Paint a pumpkin (for free), win prizes and enjoy food and drink specials while you get in the Halloween spirit.

A Wicked Affair at True Chesapeake

On Wednesday night, True Chesapeake Oyster Co. brings back its Wicked Affair Dinner, just in time for Halloween. The four-course meal includes dishes like squid ink spaghetti with sea urchin sauce, along with wine pairings and “eerie” cocktails.

Halloween happenings

On Halloween itself, there’s plenty to do, even beyond trick-or-treating.

The Brewer’s Art has a lot going on for Halloween, including a Clue-inspired mystery game on the main floor, a Nightmare Before Christmas theme downstairs, and a generally spooky vibe.

Monarque is teaming up with Sweet Gwendoline Gin for a three-course dinner and themed Halloween show.

Spanish cheese at Pierpoint

Pierpoint in Fells is always doing something cool – and that’s especially true this week. On Friday, Chef Nancy Longo will lead a lesson on Spanish cheeses, including a tasting of a variety of different cheeses along with dishes made from each cheese. The courses will be paired with tastes of Spanish wines and sangria.

Planning for the future

Mark your calendars for:

Nov. 2: Clavel x Alma Cocina Latina Día de Muertos Collaboration

Nov. 3: Día de los Muertos at La Calle

Nov. 16: Chili Cookoff at Waverly Brewing

It’s the final weekend before Halloween, so spooky season is in full swing in Baltimore.

From the 25th annual Great Halloween Lantern Parade to Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” performed by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, embrace some frightful fun.

Check it all out in our weekend events roundup:

ArBOOretum, Thursday, Oct. 24, 5 p.m., Cylburn Arboretum. Go on guided moonlit nature walks, explore spooky trails, and enjoy Halloween decorations at the Cylburn mansion. While this is a candy-free event to prevent litter, there is plenty of fun to be had.

Trixie & Katya, Thursday, Oct. 24, doors open at 7 p.m., event starts at 8 p.m., Lyric Baltimore. You know them from “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and “All Stars,” and on their web series “UNHhhh.” Now this comedic duo is bring their show, “The Bald and the Beautiful with Trixie and Katya,” to Baltimore.

The Textures of Us, Friday, Oct. 25, through Sunday, Oct. 27, Galerie Myrtis. Artist Devin Allen will display work in a solo exhibition titled “The Textures of Us” at Galerie Myrtis. The exhibition will feature photos from Allen’s new book, “Devin Allen: Baltimore”; unreleased images, and work from Allen’s students. The exhibition will open this weekend and will remain on view through Jan. 11.

Halloween Ride, Friday, Oct. 25, meet at 6:45 p.m. at St. Mary’s Park. Ride through the city with the Baltimore Bike Party. This event is a Halloween-themed ride, so costumes are encouraged.

Oyster Gardening, Saturday, Oct. 26, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Harbor East Marina. Join the Great Baltimore Oyster Partnership in their efforts to restore the Chesapeake Bay’s oyster population. Volunteers will help plant baby oysters (spat), build oyster habitats, and install a new oyster garden at Harbor East Marina.

ZOOmbie Run, Saturday, Oct. 26, 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., Maryland Zoo. Scary movies aren’t the only way to get your blood pumping this spooky season. Participate in a 5K run or a 1-mile walk through the Maryland Zoo. Costumes are encouraged. There will be food trucks, a photo booth, and other post-race activities.

Sailabration, Saturday, Oct. 26, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fells Point Broadway Pier. Learn about the connections between sailing and tattooing. Plus, experience what life was like sailing on the high seas in the 18th and 19th centuries by drinking grog and sampling “hardtack.” Read more in this Baltimore Fishbowl article.

Play Me A Ghost Story, Saturday, Oct. 26, 11 a.m., Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. Listen to symphonic ghost stories inspired by Edgar Allan Poe, Frankenstein, and more. The event will feature music by Gustav Mahler, Lou Reed, and Jim Stephenson.

South Baltimore Halloween Bash, Saturday, Oct. 26, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., Riverside Park. Participate in scavenger hunts and races; eat cotton candy, popcorn, and other yummy treats; get a glitter tattoo; shop vendors; and more.

World Oddities Expo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., Baltimore Convention Center. The strange, the peculiar, and the downright bizarre will all be on full display at the World Oddities Expo. This traveling event comes to Baltimore this Saturday, where it will feature vendors, speakers, performances and more. From taxidermy to insects to macabre art, there’s something for everyone who needs a little oddness in their life.

Great Halloween Lantern Parade, Saturday, Oct. 26, festival begins at 4 p.m., parade starts at 7 p.m., Patterson Park. Watch beautiful lanterns parade through the park — and even make your own — at the 25th annual Great Halloween Lantern Parade. There will be a kids costume contest, arts & crafts market, performances, food trucks, and more. Read more in this Baltimore Fishbowl article.

Haunted Harbor, Saturday, Oct. 26, 9 p.m., Power Plant Live! Get in on the ghostly fun, with DJ performances, costume contests, access to bars and nightclubs, and more.

Nightmare Before Christmas in Concert, Saturday, Oct. 26, and Sunday, Oct. 27, Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. Hear the music from Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” performed live by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra as you watch the film on the big screen.

Monument to Monument Ride, Sunday, Oct. 27, 9 a.m., Baltimore Washington Monument. Participate in a ride from Baltimore’s Washington Monument at Mount Vernon Place all the way to the Washington Monument in D.C.

Harbor Harvest Children’s Fall Festival, Sunday, Oct. 27, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Rash Field Park. Decorate pumpkins, pet some animals, participate in pie-baking and costume contests, and more at the festival. Read more in this Baltimore Fishbowl article.

Bluegrass and Goats, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Wyman Park Dell at 29th and Charles streets. Watch goats graze on invasive species while you enjoy a Baltimore Bluegrass Jam hosted by Alex Lacquement, Maddie Witler and Sam Guthridge.

Before I tell you about Brian Lavin and Sam White, I have a question. Did you ever go to Gnocco in Highlandtown during their three-year run a few years back? If you did, you probably remember being wowed by the food and drinks and the warm, intimate feel. I was very sad when it closed, so when I heard that owners Brian Lavin and Sam White were opening up a new spot, Costiera, I was ridiculously excited. I knew it would be good. And it is – very, very good. 

Situated on a southeast corner along Central Avenue on the edge of Little Italy, Costiera is filled with great light and warm wood tones. A vibrant and colorful mural by Ham & Cheese Studios greets you at the bar. 

Sam runs the bar, while Brian is in charge of the food. The menu is a lighter, brighter kind of Italian, focused on coastal cuisine. Expect lots of fresh seafood, as well as pasta that is made in-house daily, the freshest local seasonal produce and a menu that changes often. In addition to regular dinner service, they have a great happy hour menu (Monday – Friday 4:00pm – 7:00pm) and they serve lunch on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The bar is my favorite place to sit! I enjoy the menu of Negronis and the wine list is really lovely.

I know I sound like a broken record but I’m a big proponent of supporting nice, hard working people. It matters. Brian and Sam are kind and thoughtful and I am so happy for their success. They got a really great review from Baltimore Magazine recently! When you put your everything into opening a new restaurant, I bet it feels good to be recognized. But what probably feels even better is having a full house of happy guests, so if you haven’t been yet, GO. 

Thanks, Brian and Sam. I’m so glad to feature you in Baker’s Dozen.

Cake or Pie? And what kind?

Sam: I am a pie guy. Specifically, a Roman style pizza pie with a thin, crispy crust.

Brian: A big ole’ rich chocolate cake. Pastry Chef Ana Pino makes one of the best chocolate cakes I’ve ever had.

Your most prized possession?

Sam: “Figgy” my fig tree. My wife, Kaitlin, and I planted figgy in our front yard when we bought a house a couple years ago. We have enjoyed watching Figgy grow and this fall we should get a decent harvest. I am looking forward to making pizza with figs, gorgonzola, lardo, and a balsamic glaze.

Brian: A globe that my grandmother got me a few years ago. When my grandfather passed away, my grandmother got rid of this globe that he had and since I was little my sister and I were always eyeing it up. When she found out that we loved it, she sent us each a big globe on a really cool stand and it’s my favorite thing.

What’s your favorite thing to order out at restaurants?

Sam: I always look for the weirdest item on a menu to order. It started when I was a kid (for attention) but turns out that frog legs, squab, liver mousse, whole fish, etc. are quite delicious so now I go for those things because I typically will not make them at home.

Brian: I like to go out mostly for breakfast or lunch these days. I’m a big sandwich guy, the Old World Italian from DiPasquales is pretty much my favorite thing ever.

What’s your favorite to cook at home?

Sam: Cast iron pizzas.

Brian: Even though I’m around pasta all day at Costiera, it’s still one of my favorite things to cook at home.

What’s your morning beverage and how do you take it?

Sam: Coffee, black as a moonless sky at midnight, either from a chemex or moka pot.

Brian: A cortado with whole milk.

What’s your personal motto?

Sam: Listen to your heart. Listen to the beat. Listen to the rhythm, rhythm of the street.

Brian: Oof, thats a hard one. I’m not sure if I have one?

What’s your favorite holiday and why?

Sam: π day

Brian: I’ve always had off on Easter Sunday (at least after brunch) so I’ve gotten to spend it with my family and I’ve started an Easter paella tradition. I do also love Christmas Eve when I get to cook the feast of the seven fishes. My family isn’t Italian, but it’s become a tradition.

Best advice you were ever given? And from whom?

Sam: A million things happen every day that we cannot control so you should jump at the chance to take action when there is something you can. An old Foreman Wolf training point I think.

Brian: I went to the Star Chefs convention in 2011 in NYC. My old boss and good friend Jason Ambrose bought me tickets for my birthday and it was awesome. Massimo Bottura was there and did a big presentation. He said as a cook and a chef you should find something outside of the kitchen that gives you inspiration. At that point I was a sous chef and I thought working 80 hours a week and focusing solely on restaurants was the only important thing. But as I’ve gotten older, I realize drawing inspiration from other things and taking time for yourself is incredibly important and that advice has grown on me over the years.

What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment?

Sam: Aside from opening Costiera, the winter ascent of Mt. Washington (even though it was an unseasonably warm, overcast day).

Brian: I was really proud of winning the Zagat 30 under 30 while Gnocco was open. We had a shoebox of a kitchen and did some fun things out of there.

The last text you sent?

Sam: “Couldn’t have done it without you” to the talented JCShelfCo who refinished our beautiful wood tables at Costiera.

Brian: A seafood order.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Sam: A hammock.

Brian: Being able to create memories for people through food and restaurants. I love being in the kitchen and I plan to be there for a long, long time to come.

What do you love most about food?

Sam: The perfect last bite that has a little bit of everything and you get to scoop up all the rest of the sauce.

Brian: The ability it has to bring people together.

What’s your favorite place in Baltimore?

Sam: Druid Hill Park. It is a great place to hang your hammock, throw some discs, and eat a slice from Ribaldi’s.

Whiskey, oysters, and spooky surroundings – the Baltimore food scene this week captures everything that’s great about October in Charm City. Here’s a look at what’s on tap:

Openings & announcements

Atlas Restaurant Group has announced that its new Chinese restaurant in Cross Keys will be called Nine Tailed Fox; the kitchen will be helmed by Executive Chef Jeffrey Mei. Atlas also released renderings of the spot, which is due to open next spring.

Speaking of Atlas, throughout the month of October, all Atlas restaurants are donating $1 for every glass of rosé sold to the American Cancer Society – making it very easy to support research for breast cancer and all cancers.

Pusser’s, which will close in Annapolis on Halloween, is moving north. The longtime waterfront favorite signed a lease to open in Lighthouse Point Marina in Canton. The restaurant will take over the spot formerly housed by Bo Brooks, and is slated to open next spring, after renovations of the space have been completed.

Supporting Keswick families

The Hampden community – and Baltimore as a whole – was rocked this week by a five-alarm fire in Keswick that, sadly, resulted in the death of two residents. The community has rallied together to support those impacted by the fire, organizing multiple ways to give.

On Saturday, numerous Hampden businesses will donate a percentage of sales to the Keswick Fire Fund and on Sunday, Blue Pit BBQ will host a fundraiser starting at 3 p.m. Food businesses participating in the Saturday event include: BMORE Taqueria, Catalog Coffee, The Charmery, Chuck’s Trading Post, The Food Market, Golden West Café, Harmony Bakery, The Local Fry, Maillard Pastries, Paulie Gee’s (who has been instrumental in organizing the support), r. bar, Taharka Brothers, and Urban Oyster.                                                                                                                                             

Rare & Obscure at Max’s

From Friday through Sunday, the annual Rare & Obscure Festival will be underway at Max’s Taphouse. The Fells Point bar will be tapping 15 kegs of unique beers featuring ingredients like lemon peel, Thai basil and Tahitian vanilla (not all at once), plus numerous other draft and bottle offerings.

The weekend also includes multiple fun events, like karaoke, a comedy show, and a signing event with Orioles legends.

Peach & Rye release

On Saturday, Baltimore Spirits Co. will release Singularity #15, which is a peach and rye whiskey. At the same time, Jinji Chocolates is releasing a chocolate bar using BSC’s Epoch Rye, toasted rye grains and peach – a perfect pairing. During the release event, BSC will offer peach cocktails and chocolate cocktails – very sweet. 

Dylan’s gets shucking

Dylan’s Oyster Cellar will be closed on Saturday evening, as the crew heads down to St. Mary’s City for the annual U.S. National Oyster Festival – and the National Oyster Shucking Competition. Three shuckers from Dylan’s will participate in the contest, hoping to bring home the big prizes – and all the bragging rights.

OktoBEARfest

On Saturday and Sunday, the Maryland Zoo’s annual fall beer festival, OktoBEARfest, returns for a weekend full of music, animals, and tons of beer and seltzer to sample. During the festival, guests have a chance to try more than 80 seasonal beverages, enjoy food from local vendors, and enjoy being in the company of all the animals at the Zoo.

Bonfire & Booze

Saturday evening, La Cuchara decamps for Zahradka Family Farm, where the two teams will join forces for a toasty Bonfire & Booze party. The menu includes fall outdoor classics, like pit beef and pulled pork, plus beer, wine and cocktails, along with live music and plenty of marshmallows to roast.

Halloween cookies at Kneads

On Sunday, Kneads in Harbor East hosts a kid-friendly Halloween cookie decorating class. The class will cover everything from the science of royal icing to ways to creatively use decorations you can by at the grocery store. Attendees will decorate and take home their own cookies, plus recipes to recreate at home.

Cashmere & Chianti at Cinghiale

Also on Sunday in Harbor East, Cinghiale hosts Cashmere & Chianti, an antipasti and pasta meal celebrating harvest season in Tuscany.

That’s Amaro at Sally O’s

Also on Sunday, Sally O’s is hosting That’s Amaro, a five-course dinner with dishes paired with Amaro cocktails.

Flavors of Maryland

On Monday, TasteWise Kids’ annual fundraiser, Flavors of Maryland, takes over Whitehall Mill. The event is a fun one, with local farmers collaborating with chefs to showcase all the best aspects of Chesapeake cuisine.  

Harry Potter returns to Johnny’s

On Monday, Johnny’s undergoes its annual transformation, becoming the magical world of Hogwarts for the Halloween season. The Roland Park restaurant will be in full Harry Potter mode, from the décor to special drinks and desserts.

Wines of Campania at Costiera

Monday evening, Costiera hosts a free wine tasting with Andrea Fabiano, the export manager for Feudi di San Gregorio. The tasting begins at 5 p.m. and is first come, first serve.

Oyster Shellebration at True Chesapeake

Our very own Baltimore Fishbowl crew is teaming up with True Chesapeake Oyster Co. on Wednesday, Oct. 23 for a fun all-you-can-eat oyster party. Tickets include two drinks, plus oysters and other food, and a portion of proceeds benefit Mr. Trash Wheel.

Raventós Wine Dinner at Cece’s

Also on Wednesday, Cece’s hosts a six-course wine dinner featuring wines from Raventós in Spain. Pairings include matchups like crispy pork belly with cicerchia bean and tomato marmalade with a 2021 Blanc de Blancs Brut and duck breast with Asian pear, turnips and cherry jus with Can Sumoi Sumoll-Garnatxa.

Community Night at Gertrude’s

On Friday, Oct. 25, Gertrude’s welcomes all for a Community Night benefiting Our Common Table, the nonprofit organization run by Gertrude’s own John Shields. During the evening, guests will have an opportunity to enter raffles to win prizes like Aquarium tickets and Lyon Distillery goodies, all while supporting a great cause.

Planning for the future

Mark your calendars for:

Oct. 30: A Wicked Affair Dinner at True Chesapeake Oyster Co.

Nov. 1: Spanish Cheese at Pierpoint

Nov. 3: Día de Muertos at La Calle

When the Baltimore Ravens paired running back Derrick Henry with quarterback Lamar Jackson, the last thing they envisioned was an 0-2 start.

Contrary to head coach John Harbaugh’s assertion that Henry — a first-ballot Hall of Fame lock and the fifth player in NFL history with 10,000-plus rushing yards and more than 100 touchdowns in his first 125 games — wasn’t brought in to “be the guy that gets the ball 30 times a game,” it’s clear after ripping off four straight wins that Henry is the fulcrum of this offense.

Henry has racked up 575 total scrimmage yards throughout this winning streak, averaging 132 yards per game en route to solidifying himself as the NFL’s leading rusher. He’s currently on pace for around 2,000 total yards and 25 touchdowns, which would likely make him the NFL Offensive Player of the Year.

Some pundits have even made the case that Henry is the league MVP, but those watching games know Jackson is the key to making this offense hum.  

Since Baltimore’s consecutive losses to open the season, Jackson has posted 1,245 total yards and 10 touchdowns. Over that stretch, he completed 70% of his passes while rushing for five yards a carry.   

It’s not rocket science that when defenses are loading the box to stop Henry, wide receivers Rashod Bateman and Zay Flowers have more room to work with downfield — giving Jackson larger throwing windows. 

And when opposing coordinators key in on those threats out on the perimeter, Jackson can feed tight ends Mark Andrews, Isaiah Likely, and Charlie Kolar off of run fakes. 

This versatility has helped the Ravens finish drives at a supremely high level this season, as they are tied for the NFL lead with a 75% red zone touchdown rate — scoring on three out of every four trips inside the 20.

There’s no question this is the most multiple offense Jackson has played in so far in his career. He no longer is required to lead Baltimore in rushing while operating an underdeveloped passing attack. 

Now, Jackson is the ultimate facilitator for the Ravens. 

He spreads the ball to myriad receivers and has been more shrewd than ever with the use of his legs, only pulling out his Superman cape when necessary for the most part in 2024. 

For a franchise whose roots are associated with hardnosed defense, having two MVP-worthy players on offense has to be a surreal feeling for general manager Eric DeCosta — who famously attempted to acquire Henry at last year’s trade deadline.

But the Ravens brass may not fully be able to relish in boasting the NFL’s fourth-ranked scoring offense considering how the side of the ball they’re used to dominating on is looking… 

How much is Baltimore’s defense holding it back?

Baltimore knew a drop-off was coming in 2024 when former defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald left in the offseason to become head coach for the Seattle Seahawks. 

It was inevitable after last year’s team finished the season with a triple crown NFL record as the first defensive unit in history to lead the league in points allowed, sacks, and takeaways. 

The Ravens appointed former player and inside linebackers coach Zach Orr as Macdonald’s successor immediately upon his departure. It’s entirely too early to start questioning that decision. 

But even Orr wouldn’t deny he’s struggling to find his way right now. That’s why he recently added former defensive coordinator Dean Pees onto his staff as a senior adviser — who coached Orr during his three-year career as a linebacker. 

It’s unreasonable to expect the same level of consistency as the 2023 team, but Baltimore shouldn’t be the eighth-worst scoring defense in the NFL with the amount of talent it retained on that side of the ball.

What’s alarming isn’t just that the defense looks porous for long stretches in the second half many times, but the way it’s playing out. 

Many teams have been unable to match with the firepower of Jackson and Henry, allowing the Ravens to build a decent cushion and get the opposing offense in obvious passing situations. 

Forcing a team to be one dimensional is a defensive coordinator’s dream, but Orr has struggled to force stops at times when everyone knows a pass is coming. 

That the Ravens are the second-worst passing defense in the NFL so far in 2024 is a short-term problem that could become a huge one when compounded with Orr’s warts as a play caller. 

He has taken unnecessary risks with nearly all-out blitzes late in games a few times this season. 

Those instances didn’t backfire, but this validates what Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said about Baltimore’s propensity to “burn the house down” when all the chips are pushed to the middle of the table. It’s certainly something to pay attention to when this defense is called upon in a big moment.

What’s important right now is these issues haven’t prevented the team from winning games. But rectifying these deficiences could make the difference between another AFC Championship game appearance and a chance to compete in the Super Bowl. 

So while it’s tempting to revel in Jackson and Henry creating too many problems for defenses to solve, the Ravens can’t be crowned as the undisputed top team in the AFC until they address the side of the ball they pour the vast majority of resources into.   

The addition of Pees could help Orr find his rhythm quicker as the season progresses. And the Ravens will have to hope major injuries don’t start piling up in order for this defense to gel over the long term. 

It’s unclear how this will play out, and the truth is I hesitate to use any other word to describe this defense other than suspect right now. You can win a lot of games with a shaky defense, but “defense wins championships” isn’t one of the oldest saying in sports for no reason. 

It’s not impossible for Baltimore to win a championship with this defense playing at or near this level for the rest of 2024, but that would heap pressure on Jackson and Henry to play at MVP-level heights for the whole season.

That also opens the door for another vintage offensive implosion come January, which is what Henry was brought in to prevent in the first place. 

It’s not time to start going over doom-and-gloom scenarios yet, but Baltimore’s front office will be seething if another high-octane offense is shut down or outscored in the playoffs. 

With three out of their next four matchups being being divisional games, it’s time for the Ravens to start proving their defensive mettle. That’s not something Baltimore typically lacks, but it remains to be seen whether this team has it or not.

Chef John Bedingfield of The Food Market restaurant group is quiet, focused and driven. I’ve known him since about 2015 when I started consulting with Chef Chad Gauss on social media and marketing. Chad and I met via Instagram and I think our first time we met in person was to make a trade for salted caramel brownies for fresh soft crabs. That was a really good trade.

At that time, John was executive chef at The Food Market, so we got to know each other when I would come shoot photos or host dinners with local social media food influencers. I enjoyed putting those events together because I always tried to put people around the table whom I knew were nice, had engaged followings, took really good photos and would also be future diners at the restaurant on their own. That was such a different time than now as far as the influencer world goes. Boy, oh boy. I remember one dinner in the downstairs private kitchen where I enjoyed John’s cooking with several people whom I still consider friends to this day. That dining experience is still one of my favorites – you walk through the restaurant, down the stairs in the back of the dining room, through dry storage, past the walk-ins and are seated at a communal table where chefs prepare your meal right there in front of you. Super cool.

John and I definitely clicked when we met and I always enjoyed it when we worked on projects together. I felt so lucky to be working with John, Chad and the Food Market team, such a great crew. John was always open to new ideas, Chad was, too. Also, John is extremely dedicated to his work, yet at the same time he is a very involved husband with his wife, Alexa, and dad to his young daughter, Quinn. It’s been really nice following along on social media to see his home life bloom so nicely. It sounds corny but I’m very proud of John (or Johntay as I like to call him) for building such a nice life for himself and now, for his family. Balance in the food and restaurant space – especially at a growing and busy restaurant and catering group – is very, very hard and it’s not always there. Yet John makes it seem like a natural thing. Like, it’s what he is meant to be doing. Whether he is collaborating on menus for events, La Food Marketa or even their newest spot, Vacation (in Columbia next to The Food Market Columbia), you can just tell that he does it fully. I love how with each new project, he and his team are creative and take chances on menu items that are a little out of the ordinary. They embrace fun.

So, here is my Q+A with Johntay. I hope you enjoy it!

Cake or Pie? And what kind?

Pie! Lemon Meringue. Lemon meringue pie was a staple at Thanksgiving dinner. My Nana would make it every year. I never really liked cake growing up so I would request lemon meringue pie instead. 

Your most prized possession?

My integrity. May not be physical but this is something I carry with me through all aspects of life.

What’s your favorite thing to order out at restaurants?

French onion soup. Probably order French onion soup anytime I see it on a menu. Favorite spot for French onion soup is Le Diplomate in DC.

What’s your favorite to cook at home?

Breakfast. As much as I enjoy cooking all things, breakfast is by far my favorite meal to prepare at home. I lean more savory than sweet for breakfast. Typically on the more simple side, including a potato hash, some sort of breakfast meat like chicken sausage or scrapple, on special occasions (my favorite by far), and egg cooked any way imaginable depending on the day. 

What’s your morning beverage and how do you take it?

Cold brew, black. I absolutely love coffee and even more so, cold brew, La Colombe blue bottle reigns supreme. 

What’s your personal motto?

Expect the Unexpected. This is a principle that encourages preparation and adaptability for unforeseen circumstances. Life often throws curveballs, and by embracing this mindset, you can better handle surprises and challenges. It involves developing resilience, flexibility and a proactive approach to problem-solving. By anticipating that not everything will go as planned, you can reduce stress and make more informed decisions, ensuring you’re not caught off guard when things deviate from your expectations.

What’s your favorite holiday and why?

Thanksgiving. Love being able to bring family and friends together around the best meal of the year. Green bean casserole is by far my favorite side dish at Thanksgiving.

Best advice you were ever given? And from whom?

“Grab the bull by the f****** horns.” My friend Michael, when confiding in him about taking the sous chef position at The Food Market.

What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment?

Personal greatest accomplishment is becoming a dad. Culinary/professional accomplishment was winning Chopped on The Food Network.

The last text you sent?

I made curry for dinner.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Traveling the world with Alexa and Quinn. Could be a trip to the pool or roaming around Italy.

What do you love most about food?

How a meal can make someone feel.

What’s your favorite place in Baltimore?

Sherwood Gardens in the spring for the tulips.                        

Have you ever been surprised by unexpected kindness? 

How do you stay open to the future without discounting what’s come before? 

Has gratitude ever helped you pivot your perception from a loss into a gain? 

In Morning Fuel, Becky Galli explores questions like these – one for each day of the year – along with musings, meditations, and advice for how we can meet life’s challenges with openness and grace. Indeed, Galli has faced many hardships: the death of her brother when he was seventeen, parenting two children with special needs, and coming to terms with her own paralysis. Despite these difficulties, Galli has thrived, finding optimism in her friends, family, and within herself.

A Baltimore resident since 1983, Galli began her writing career in 2000 with articles in The Baltimore Sun. She hasn’t stopped writing since. In addition to columns that ran in The North County News and The Towson Times, Galli published a memoir, Rethinking Possible, in 2017. She also shares columns and musings with subscribers in her “Thoughtful Thursdays” series. 

Galli took time to speak with The Fishbowl about the process of writing Morning Fuel and to share some advice about finding positive ways to engage with the world.

Baltimore Fishbowl: The book is structured according to a calendar year, with one entry for each day. Does this structure reflect the process you used to write it? 

Rebecca Faye Smith Galli: I’ve always been a fan of daily morning readings. They have helped me get through some tough times. After the publication of my memoir Rethinking Possible, I was often asked, “How do you do it? What helps you cope?” Morning Fuel is one answer as it offers quotes, mantras, and stories I’ve written or retold over the last 24 years that continue to strengthen and guide me. 

As I began gathering my favorite stories and collecting material for new ones, I found it helpful to consider the seasons since nature has a prominent role in most of my work. I first grouped entries and put in Word files labeled by month. Then I created one Word file to house all edited documents to give me quick access to the body of work if I needed to check for duplication of thoughts, phrases, or attribution.

After about 100 entries, Excel became my new best friend. I realized I needed help in tracking, so I created a spreadsheet that numbered each entry, its title, month, and word count. Later as I reviewed the entries from the reader’s perspective, I added columns to include quote attributions as well as friend and family names so I could sort and sequence those references in a thoughtful way.   

BFB: You include quotations and ideas from several philosophers and wellness experts throughout the book. What are books that you return to over and over? Which authors do you consistently recommend to others? 

RFSG: I love authors who offer thoughtful takes on life, who meet life head on and aren’t afraid of asking the hard questions or giving a vulnerable response. Some of my favorites include: Anne Lamott, Gretchen Rubin, Mark Nepo, Sarah Young, Richard Rohr, C.S. Lewis, Melanie Beattie, James Clear, Kelly Corrigan, Shane Parrish, John C. Maxwell. I read and reread their work, rotating periodically. 

BFB: Family is central to the book, and nearly every entry involves at least one of your family members. How did your living relatives feel about being featured? Was everyone on board? Did you allow them to provide feedback during your writing process?

RFSG: Fortunately—or unfortunately—my family is accustomed to being featured in my writing. After my paralysis, my marketing career pivoted to writing when in 2000, The Baltimore Sun published my first column about playing soccer with my son—from the wheelchair. The next published piece was about his first wrestling match and launched my From Where I Sit column where I regularly wrote about family life. My first book, Rethinking Possible: A Memoir of Resilience told the full story of my life and included theirs.

I never considered it unusual to include my family in my writing. As a PK (Preacher’s Kid), I grew up with my antics often becoming a sermon illustration. My goal, however, is to use my father’s approach and recount each one with accuracy, relevancy, and great heart. The last thing I would ever want to do would be to make a family member uncomfortable. 

BFB: One major theme in the book involves the importance of being able to change your perspective to deal with the challenges life throws at you. What have you found to be the most effective technique (or techniques) to facilitate a shift in perspective?

RFSG: Acceptance is the key to shifting perspective, in my experience. When a new challenge comes my way, I first decide what I need to accept, even if it’s, ‘I don’t know’ or “I need help.”  Then comes the tricky part—deciding what can be done this day about that issue. If possible, I act or make a plan. However, if there’s nothing more I can do, I place it gently on a shelf in my mind out of the center of my thinking so I’m not looking through it. I allow other parts of my life to come into focus, prompting a perspective shift. 

One of my favorite exercises that helps elevate my perspective is:

Even though________ (the unwanted circumstance) I can still________(name a present action or focus that’s available despite the circumstance)

If I’m still having trouble shifting my perspective, I try to find something to be grateful for—a magenta sunrise, progress on a lengthy project, or even remembering to break down the boxes for this week’s recycling.

BFB: So much of the book involves memories from your own childhood. What was it like uncovering those memories? Were there stories you had forgotten that re-emerged through the process of writing Morning Fuel? What was that experience like?

RFSG: It was an adventure, for sure! Many of the Morning Fuel readings are family classics: April 28: “No, I love you,” is a story my father told when I was seven and my sister Rachel was three. It was raining and Rachel had asked him with those mischievous eyes of hers if she could go outside to play. Dad looked outside and playfully answered, “Yes. Sure, honey.” Shocked, she asked again, and then again, but our father continued to give the same response. Finally, she said with a quiver in her voice, “Daddy, you don’t love me!” 

What a message that story has been to me through the years—parenting my four kids and now watching my kids parent their own– about the importance of setting boundaries and how those limits can show our love.

Writing about that scene brought it back to life –Rachel’s impish eyes, Dad’s playful smile, the huge hug they both shared after Dad told her that he was teasing and that of course she couldn’t go outside. It made me cherish my family home a little more and miss my father, now deceased, and my sister, now 800 miles away, even more.

BFB: Do you keep a daily journal? What role does writing play in your life when you are not actively working on a manuscript?

RFSG: I do keep a journal, but don’t hold myself to “daily.” After a bout of sepsis and a seventeen-day hospital stay in 2018, I grew impatient with my recovery progress. I had little energy and kept experiencing post-hospital complications. I felt like I was on a loop, never progressing forward, living the same day over and over. So, I got a beautiful spiral notebook and started journaling in seven areas: 

Body, Life, Mood, Goals, Accomplishments, Gratitude, Insights

With a journal, I could review the previous entries and track my progress. I had EVIDENCE of progress—I didn’t have to rely on my feelings (or memory!)  alone. Granted, sometimes my goals were small: Sleep seven hours. Drink eight glasses of water. Exercise ten minutes. But it gave me a wonderful feeling of success to check those boxes.

I usually journal after my morning readings. The process keeps my mind in gear, ready to capture insights or inspirations from my morning readings that later become fodder for Thoughtful Thursdays or other writing.

BFB: If you could share one piece of advice with your younger self, what would it be?

RFSG: Stay possibility-driven and hold plans lightly. Trust more in the process and worry less about the progress.         

Events for Morning Fuel

The Ivy Bookshop
October 26, 2024 10am-12pm, details here

Barnes & Noble Pikesville
November 2, 2024 2 PM to 6 PM

Baltimore County Public Library Cockeysville
Nov 7, 2024 6:30-7:30

100 Bellemore Road, The Orchards, Baltimore.

Hot House: Norman Revival House with Loads of Great Details. 3 Beds/4 Baths. 2,998 square feet. Asking price: $699,000.

What: Located on the west side of Bellmore Road, this Norman Revival house has some of the hallmarks of the French Norman countryside, including the steeply pitched rooflines, iron-strapped door, arched doorways and more. The Norman style is not common, although there are a few good examples on Springlake Way in Homeland.

Although this house looks simple on the exterior, you will see that it abounds with myriad details that make it special. As you enter, the first thing you notice is a graceful spiral staircase with wrought iron railings with a long window lighting the way. This is a similar feature to several of Palmer & Lamdin’s houses, which I suspect this might be. Arched doorways lead off the hallway to a large living room, dining room, kitchen and small bathroom.

The living room features a curved window wall, a large fireplace with a mirror above it to bounce light from the curved window wall back into the room, plus a built-in bookcase and cabinet and matching corner cabinets adjacent to the bow window. The windows look like they may have originally been casements, but now they are two-over-two windows, an unusual combination.

The large dining room has French doors which lead to the back yard and an alcove for a sideboard. The newly-remodeled kitchen has custom cherry cabinets and granite counters, some of which incorporate a breakfast bar. There is a significant amount of storage, including a long run of cabinets which make up the pantry. There is a powder room off the kitchen and front hall with custom cabinetry.

The second floor features a large primary bedroom with the full bow window wall, an ensuite bath with a step-in shower, and a walk-in closet with a built-in vanity. The other two bedrooms share a Jack and Jill bathroom (access from both rooms).

The very spacious wood-paneled family room on the lower level has a woodburning fireplace. There is space for an additional bedroom or office, with an adjoining full bath, and a large utility room with utility sinks.

The grounds of this charming house included a stone patio with a koi pond and fountain, plus mature plantings that enhance its privacy. A two-car garage in the Norman manner with a cupola topping the roof is situated on a driveway that can accommodate additional cars. The property also included an additional half lot with access via a stone stairway.

Where: The Orchards is a quiet neighborhood nestled between Northern Parkway, Lake Avenue, Roland Avenue and Charles Street. The houses range from large stone houses to Cape Cods situated along winding roads. The campus of the Bryn Mawr school is located in The Orchards and it’s a quick walk to Gilman, the Roland Park schools, and Boys’ Latin.

Final Appraisal: The house was built in 1939, and it retains many of its original charming features. It’s in a great location in a neighborhood that prizes its community feeling. The listing for the house is here.

All photographs from the listing.

One of the coolest things about the Baltimore food scene is how often local restaurateurs join forces for special events. This week, the collaborative spirit of Baltimoreans is on display all week long – it’s going to be a good one. Here’s a look at what’s happening:

Openings & announcements

The new Diamondback Brewing x Aveley Farms brewery-café combo opened in Timonium this past Wednesday.

Bonjour Crepes in Belvedere Square will open its doors on Monday.

Cosima’s happy hour now takes place every day from Tuesday through Saturday and the menu has some new additions, including $5 spritzes and negronis.

The Arthouse, the pizza spot and gallery in Hampden, will close later this month; the owners announced on social media that they have been unable to come to a new lease renewal agreement with their landlord. The restaurant, which has been open for 11 years, will throw a going out of business party on Oct. 26.

Cocina Luchadoras heads north

Starting on Oct. 11 and continuing through October, Cocina Luchadoras will pop up at Hampden’s Hillside Garden Kitchen, the outdoor garden patio next to good neighbor, on Friday afternoons. The menu will include a variety of taco options plus sides and special drinks, and will be available to enjoy onsite or to take home.

Seafood Saturday

On Saturday morning, the 32^nd St. Farmers Market is all about the seafood. Starting when the market opens at 7 a.m., vendors like Neopol Smokery and Captain Don will be offering fresh, local seafood from the Chesapeake Bay region.

Family Table at Rooted Rotisserie

Sunday, Rooted Rotisserie hosts a collaboration with The Simple Girl Brand and ELA Eventz called “At the Family Table.” The event includes a five-course meal with wine pairings – and a focus on connection and values shared by the host organizations, including “faith, family, community, authenticity, and hospitality.”

Café Campli x Doladira x Wet City

Also on Sunday, Café Campli is taking over the kitchen at Wet City for an evening of Italian dishes like wild boar and porcini ragu with tagliatelle and pappardelle with mixed seafood and lemon butter. The crew from Doladira will also be on hand for giveaways and special cocktails.

Spanish wines at Costiera

On Tuesday, Costiera hosts a multi-course dinner showcasing the wines of Spain. Courses include crab-stuffed piquillo peppers with roasted garlic and sherry vinegar with Mar de Vinas Albarino, and grilled ribeye with black garlic and onion marmalade paired with two different red options.  

Southern Italian at Cosima

Cosima chef Donna Crivello is back this week with another in her cooking class series.  On Wednesday, Chef Crivello will instruct a class in Southern Italian cooking, including gnocchi. Upcoming classes include holiday hors ‘oeuvres and cocktails and a lesson on cooking a traditional Feast of the Seven Fishes Christmas Eve meal.

Movies at HEX

On Thursday, HEX Superette will screen the film “Darla in Space.” The movie, which has a HEX-appropriate plot involving a sentient kombucha scoby, is the brainchild of filmmakers Eric Laplante and Susie Moon.

Tickets for the showing include a glass of HEX Kombucha. The kitchen and bar at HEX will also be open during the showing.

Heritage x B. Willow

Also on Thursday, Heritage Smokehouse welcomes the crew from Remington plant shop B. Willow for a fun moss terrarium happy hour event. Tickets include a complimentary drink and guests go home with a moss terrarium they’ve constructed themselves.

The Pantry of the Americas at Alma Cocina Latina

On Friday, Oct. 18 and Saturday, Oct. 19, Alma Cocina Latina chef Hector Romero teams up with Chef Kender Lozano on a two-night dinner series showcasing the “ancestral culinary traditions” of their home countries, Venezuela and Mexico.

The prix-fixe meal includes multiple courses highlighting and creatively combining the culinary traditions of both countries. Reservations are available now.

Planning for the future

Mark your calendars for:

Oct. 20: That’s Amaro at Sally O’s

Oct. 21: Flavors of Maryland

Nov. 1: Spanish Cheese at Pierpoint

There’s an autumnal chill in the air, but Baltimore is hot with events to attend this weekend.

From the return of the Baltimore Speakers Series, to concerts by the band Hanson, there’s plenty in store.

Check it all out in our weekend events roundup:

Grow Session, Thursday, Oct. 10, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Waverly Commons. Get free mulch, free trees, and resources and information about gardening, greening, recycling and growing.

Dining Out For Life, Thursday, Oct. 10, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Silver Queen Cafe. Help raise money for Moveable Feast, which serves people experiencing food insecurity and chronic illness.

Artists-in-Residence, Thursday, Oct. 10, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., virtual. Ainsley Burrows and Vonne Napper, the 2024 JJC Summer Artists-in-Residence at MICA, will discuss their work from the residency. The conversation will be livestreamed on the Baltimore Museum of Art’s Facebook and YouTube pages.

Dan Schøener, Thursday, Oct. 10, 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., Harbor East Cinemas. Mentalist and mindreader Dan Schøener will get inside your head during “Mind Over Magic.”

Liz Cheney, Thursday, Oct. 10, 8 p.m., Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. Former U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyoming) will kick off the 2024/2025 season of the Baltimore Speakers Series. Cheney chaired the House Republican Conference and served as Vice Chair of the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol. She has campaigned in support of Vice President Kamala Harris’s run for president.

Pokémon Sleepover, Friday, Oct. 11, 5:30 p.m. (overnight into Saturday, Oct. 12), Maryland Science Center. Do you want to be the very best like no one ever was? Are you on a mission to catch ’em all? Put your knowledge of Pokémon evolutions to the test; make a trading card; battle and trade Pokémon; and then sleep overnight at the Science Center alongside fellow Pokémasters. This event is for children age 5 and older. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Kidz Bop Live, Friday, Oct. 11, 7 p.m., Pier Six Pavilion. Listen to Kidz Bop versions of pop songs in this live show.

Hanson, Friday, Oct. 11, and Saturday, Oct. 12, Rams Head Live. Enjoy a two-night appearance by the band Hanson as part of their “Underneath: Experience Tour.” The first night will be an acoustic show featuring special guest Matthew Sweet. Then on night two, enjoy an electric show featuring special guest Phantom Planet.

Bop to the Top, Friday, Oct. 11, doors open at 8:30 p.m., show starts at 9 p.m., Baltimore Soundstage. Get the best of both worlds at this celebration of Hannah Montana and your favorite Disney Channel anthems. There will be a lip sync battle, dance off, costume contest, and more.

Marco Antonio Solís, Saturday, Oct. 12, doors open at 7 p.m., event begins at 8 p.m., CFG Bank Arena. Mexican musician Marco Antonio Solís will perform in Baltimore as part of his “Eternamente Agradecido World Tour.”

Barrio Fiesta, Sunday, Oct. 13, 10 a.m., Power Plant Live! Celebrate Filipino culture with vendors, live entertainment, and more.

Spooky Expo, Sunday, Oct. 13, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., Ottobar. At the “Macabre Menagerie of Mysteries,” enjoy a mini-expo full of dark and spooky live performances, special effect make-up demonstrations, taxidermy classes, macabre vendors, and meet & greets and book signings with authors of dark books and comic books.

Indigenous People’s Day Performance, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., The Walters Art Museum. Flutist and storyteller Aio “Blue Heron” Sifu will perform in honor of Indigenous People’s Day.

Art with a Heart has come a long way since founder and executive director Randi Pupkin launched the nonprofit from her law office desk in 2000.

Pupkin had been working in construction litigation for 14 years when she decided she needed a change — a new way of helping people. So, she left her legal practice and founded Art with a Heart in order to provide art classes to communities around Baltimore.

What started as a small but passionate project out of the trunk of Pupkin’s car grew into a citywide operation. Art with a Heart hosts thousands of art classes per year, has installed about 300 public art pieces, and is a regular fixture in Baltimore City Public Schools and other community sites.

Last month, Art with a Heart announced it will be expanding with a satellite location on The Avenue in Hampden, which will house HeARTwares, the nonprofit’s social enterprise store, as well as HeARTworks, their workforce development program.

Next year, Pupkin will retire from the nonprofit she founded and will officially pass the reigns to her current deputy director, Megan Gatto, in June 2025.

Pupkin spoke with Baltimore Fishbowl about Art with a Heart nearing its 25th anniversary, preparing a new generation to take over the nonprofit, and the difference art can make (and has made) in the lives of Baltimore residents.

Baltimore Fishbowl: What was your inspiration for starting Art with a Heart nearly 25 years ago?

Randi Pupkin: My inspiration was my love of art and my love of people. I took art classes as a young child in Baltimore. I’m born and raised in Baltimore, and art was always like my recess or my sport. I never was an athlete, so going to art class was where I could be anywhere in my head – the beach, some foreign country – and kind of escape from life and I valued that. I became a lawyer because I love the idea of helping people and elevating humanity, and I thought I would be able to do that as a lawyer. I found that I was really fighting with other lawyers more than I was elevating humanity, so I decided to combine my love of art and my desire to help people and I founded Art with a Heart from the desk in my law office.

BFB: How did Art with a Heart’s work specifically with Baltimore City schools come about? Tell me how that works.

RP: We just got a request from a principal years ago because there was a void in his school for art programming and he asked if we could fill that void with our programming, which we were already doing in the community. We were already taking art classes to communities that did not have equitable access to art, whether that was in rec centers or PAL programs or shelters, group homes. Children, youth, seniors, anyone who didn’t have access. We were already providing that enrichment, and this principal heard about us and asked if we could fill the void in his school. That’s what we did and that grew from one school to eight schools to 15 schools, and now we’re in 17 schools with the desire that we would not have to be in any schools, but we’ll be in the schools until we don’t have to be in the schools.

BFB: You’re kind of hoping to work yourself out of a job with those schools, right? That one day your partnership will no longer be needed because they’ll have their own robust art programs.

RP: Yes. I mean, the idea is that there’s not a teacher shortage, but I think I read the other day that there’s 171 vacancies in Baltimore City. I don’t know how many of them are arts teachers, but for sure we work here if we’re needed.

BFB: How have you seen youth grow through Art with a Heart’s workforce development (HeARTworks) and leadership (Art of Leadership) programs?

RP: So the workforce development program started 20 years ago. It’s wonderful to see a young person walk into the program skeptical and then kind of figure out that we’re trustworthy and consistent, and that they’re here and they’re in this program and it’s almost like they resign themselves to showing up. Then you watch their minds open and they find joy in the process. Many have gone on to better themselves in school and in jobs. We have two employees right now that were in the program that work in Art with the Heart. And many other young people – well, they’re probably not so young anymore. It depends on how you consider ‘young.’ It’s relative – but many other that I’m still connected to through social media, they’re living their lives, they’re working, they’re married, they have kids. Some aren’t married, but most are working, and many would credit the path that they decided upon starting here at Art with a Heart.

The Art of Leadership is in its 10th year. We’re in our 10th cohort. That has been extraordinary in that the community that is created in that program — it’s a small cohort. It’s between like 18 and 25 students. — they stay connected. For 10 years, the first cohort has been connected. Two of the students in that cohort are now on our advisory board. One is a teacher, and one works for Governor Moore. And Moore [before becoming governor] was the speaker for our first cohort. He came and spoke to them, and all the students got his book, “The Other Wes Moore.” That was the only book he had written at the time. And so one works for him now. I just think that that program provides those students with the opportunity to stretch their boundaries, to meet community that they otherwise would not even know about, to talk about issues that they don’t usually have the opportunity to engage in conversation that they have here. It’s a really special program, and I’m very proud of the students that have allowed themselves to open up and be vulnerable with people they wouldn’t know but for that program.

BFB: Your work with the community is very hands-on. How did you manage to continue that work during COVID?

RP: That’s a great question. Everyone that works here has a lot of grit, and it was a really scary time. I think we all felt like we got punched in the stomach a little bit, like now what? But it really didn’t take us long. It took us a lot of Zoom calls, and as a team gathering on Zoom, and figuring out what’s next, how do we keep our students engaged in the creative, tactile art-making, not just talking on Zoom. I think we were all out in March [2020]. Probably by the end of April [2020], we were packing art kits and delivering them to schools, and the schools were handing them out when they were handing out laptops for students to be able to engage in school virtually. So we packed 12,000 art kits and delivered them to all of the schools that we programmed with. As an aside, we also have a large community art effort, and we engage thousands of volunteers every year, but we have a core group of volunteers that are between the ages of probably 60 and 90, and they come every week. It’s about 50 of them, and they have shifts, and they bring their lunch and it’s like a job to these 50 people. Prior to the pandemic, I used to think ‘Wow, they just do so much for us. They help us prepare for classes, they help with community art projects, and they just keep us rolling.’ And during the pandemic I realized – as they were the first people knocking on our door to get back in and they were the highest risk group – how much we also do for them, not just how much they do for us. And so we built a sculpture, a community art sculpture that’s now at the University of Maryland hospital, entirely during the pandemic. Coming in masked, working six feet apart, whatever we had to do, we created that big eight-foot sculpture during that time.

BFB: Tell me how Art with a Heart has been so successful and stuck around for so long. I know many nonprofits aren’t around after even five or 10 years. So 25 years is a lot!

RP: Well, thank you. I think it’s extraordinary. I think the first thing is that somebody told me right after I incorporated Art with a Heart and really went full throttle – because it was just me – somebody in the funding world said most nonprofits last five years. It was kind of like that’s all I needed to hear to make sure that we lasted more than five years. I was like, ‘Okay, here we go.’ I think the organization has lasted because of the commitment of the people who have worked here, who currently work here, who care deeply about the mission. Both our employees, our teachers and assistants in the community, they’re foot soldiers. They do hard work every day. Nothing happens in a silo here. The recognition is really about the community of people that commit to making it work every day. It’s a machine and we all help the machine run. It’s extraordinary. It really is. And I’m so grateful for the staff and the teachers and assistants and the team and the volunteers; it’s a full community effort. I know that it’s cliche to say it takes a village, but this organization, the village, is what makes it happen. I couldn’t do it on my own, that’s for sure. And nobody here could. But I think we dig in deep when we have to, and we know how to be nimble and we work hard.

BFB: Are there a couple Art with a Heart community art projects that you’re particularly proud of over the years?

RP: Of course. There’s the first large-scale mosaic that we ever did. Debbie Phelps [mother of Olympic swimming champion Michael Phelps] was the principal at Windsor Mill Middle School, and a student had been hit by a car while riding his bicycle and he passed away. They were planting a memorial garden for him and she contacted us to do this large mosaic on the wall of the garden. When I said we dig in, we dug in. We were like ‘Let’s do this.’ And it just started a snowball effect of large-scale projects. It was probably 2009 or 2010. And that just started this snowball of other murals, other mosaics, and it’s just continued. We have close to 300 community art pieces of various sizes all throughout the Baltimore community. And that thought brings me incredible joy just to be able to beautify the community. It’s like we’re part of the fabric of Baltimore with paint and tile. So that one project really is special. We had an artist working with us named Jane Rubini who designed it, and then we took the panels to the school. The students that knew the deceased young man worked on it. His family worked on it. Everybody in the school worked on it. Then we installed it. It was a really special project. That led to another project that was like 18 feet by 10 feet. Huge. So that one was really special. And of course, the heart that was created during the pandemic. It’s hard to find a favorite.

BFB: Is the heart that sculpture at the University of Maryland hospital you were speaking about?

RP: Yes.

BFB: Has your leadership style changed over the years?

RP: For sure. I mean, I’ve been marinating for 62 years. I think as a leader and as just a person, you grow and change. I try to keep learning and listening. When I was in law school, I used to take walks with this woman who was 88 years old, and she used to talk to me about listening and how it kept her young, and I’ll never forget that. And so I really try and listen, and I know what I don’t know, and I know that there are people who know what I don’t know, so I really try and grow and learn from that. I think as you get older too, this is going to sound cliche, but you learn to – you don’t sweat the small stuff, but you learn to prioritize things. I also think there’s a divide between what it was like when I was growing up and how we worked, and younger people today and their expectation of a work environment. I try and pass that on to the younger leaders in the organization who kind of speak the same language, because I’m always full throttle. I’m always just charging and working and I love what I do, so it doesn’t feel bad to be doing it.

BFB: I understand that you are set to take a step back from your executive director position soon. What will that look like? I know it’s hard to completely walk away from an organization that you’ve been running for 25 years. Will you still be involved?

RP: So this is interesting. I am the founder, so everyone asks that question and I think it’s a great one. I think it would be daunting if I didn’t feel like the succession plan was good, and the person who was succeeding me, if I was worried about that person not being able to succeed. But I am really excited and really confident in handing this child over to the next person. I think she’s going to do a fantastic job. And I will be behind the scenes coaching her a little bit. Not formally as a coach, but consulting with her and helping her. I will not be sitting on the board. I am not going to have an office. But I look forward to helping her in any way I can and advising her. There’ll be lots of questions, I’m sure. I mean, there’s a lot to think about when you’re running a multi-million dollar nonprofit. There’s insurance and phone systems and HR matters, and she’s learning. It’s a co-leadership model right now. We share an office, so she’s basically shadowing everything. And although she’s not here today for the interview, she’s heard all this before. It’s actually really exciting. I know it’s time to go. The organization deserves a younger leader now.

BFB: Who will be taking over?

RP: Our deputy director, Megan Gatto.

BFB: So after that ‘coaching process,’ when she’s more used to being in the executive director role and you can take even more of a step back, what’s next for you?

RP: I’m going to take a little time to read a book, and then I want to get a job. I want to work somewhere else. I’m not tired. I mean, I’m a little tired, but I see that I have energy to do something else. I just don’t know what that is yet. I’m excited about what’s next. What it is, I’m not sure.

BFB: You mentioned you want to read a book. Do you have any particular books you’re looking forward to?

RP: My advisor from college worked for the State Department, and his wife worked for the State Department, and he published a book of her diary. It’s like 900 pages. They were like surrogate parents to me, so I want to read that book. It’s going to take a while.

BFB: Yeah, 900 pages! Wow!

RP: I know. Maybe I should start with Dr. Seuss to work my way up.

BFB: Art with a Heart will have its 25th anniversary next year. How will you and your team celebrate the occasion?

RP: We are having an event on March 29, 2025 at the M&T Bank Exchange. It’s in the evening. And so we’re going to have a party. I mean, we’ve got to have a party. We haven’t really had a party since 2015, any kind of fundraiser event. I’m calling it a party because really this is a celebration. It’s a celebration of the extraordinary work that the organization has done for 25 years. But also, passing the paintbrush, so to speak. We’re really looking forward to just bringing together, the Baltimore community in one space, to celebrate the organization and the people who have made it happen. We signed a lease to take a satellite location for the organization at where the Hampden Family Center UCLA Avenue is. We have a social enterprise retail store called HeARTwares, and we’ll be moving the store onto the Avenue, which is very exciting because it’s never really been in a location that allowed it to have foot traffic. We’re in Mill One and people do come here, but it will be very nice for just passersby to see the work that’s created by our students in our workforce program. We’re also going to move the workforce program to the Avenue, to that location. It has two classrooms. For students, transportation’s never been a barrier to them getting here; they just have to walk from the stop on the Avenue. So now it’ll just be less of a walk for them. And we’re excited about that too. That’s an exciting thing that’s happening, kind of to celebrate and honor and feel our growth in 2025.

We want to be really clear, because the whole universe is going to think we’re moving, but we’re not moving. When we moved into our space in Mill One, we had eight employees. Now we have 17. So it’s just a lot and that’s why we need supplement. We really ran out of space, which is unbelievable.

BFB: It’s a good problem to have!

RP: I know! I always tell my team that being busy is a great problem to have, because we could be laying people off. I hope that never happens.

BFB: What would you like to see for Art with a Heart in the next 25 years?

RP: Well, I feel like that’s not for me to answer because there’ll be a new leader who will have a vision of her own. I would just like to see it thrive. We have like five branches to the organization, and I would like to see them all continue to grow and, like I said, thrive and be part and parcel to our community.

11814 Park Heights Ave, Owings Mills.

Hot House: Three Ponds Estate in Caves Valley. 5 Beds/7 Baths. 11,400 square feet. 14 acres. Asking price: $3 million.

What: After a good stone house, a Georgian is one of my favorite styles. Three Ponds is a gorgeous Georgian-style house perched on a hill in the verdant Caves Valley. Built in 1925, Three Ponds have been completely renovated to the owner’s exacting standards.

The front of the house departs from a traditional Georgian, with the addition of a stone patio, overlooking the vast terraced lawn. As you enter the house through the double front doors, you come into a wide center hall, replete with numerous styles of millwork and trim, all in a classic glossy white.

Off to one side is the beautifully appointed living room with a large fireplace, numerous built-in bookshelves, and French doors leading to a sunroom. Across the hall is a smaller cozy family room with a built-in wet bar, perfect for socializing with family and friends.

A brand-new kitchen, features two quartz-topped islands, a Wolf six-burner range with a griddle, a grille and two ovens, a Sub-Zero refrigerator and an ice-maker, two dishwashers, and French doors which lead to another terrace, overlooking the valley beyond.

Other rooms on the main level include such amenities as a wine refrigerator, a wet bar, ice makers, laundry rooms, a covered porch, and several additional fireplaces.

The second and third floors contain another laundry room, plus four bedrooms and three full baths. The primary suite includes a dressing room, a private deck and a bath with heated floors, a double vanity, a steam shower with dual shower heads, and a spa tub. The third floor’s space has a variety of uses: yoga room, playroom, art studio or just additional bedrooms.

In addition to the main house, there is a smaller house on the property which overlooks one of the three ponds. It has a full kitchen, three beds and three baths, laundry, and a wrap-around porch.

The property also contains a raised vegetable garden, a fenced dog run/pasture, a Zen garden and, of course, three ponds.

Where: Three Ponds is located on Park Heights Avenue, just across from the Caves Valley Golf Club. It is a quick drive to Reisterstown Road, and all of the restaurants, stores and amenities which that offers.

Final Appraisal: This house is a perfect country escape for someone who wants the vista of wide, open spaces. The views from the house are expansive and would provide a soothing end to a busy day. The smaller house would be perfect for a house/property manager. The listing for the house is here.

All photographs from the listing.

From ice cream for breakfast to Fells Point fun, this week promises to be a great one on the Baltimore food scene. Here’s a look at what’s coming up:

Openings & announcements

The Wine Source in Hampden has been sold to its employees; it is now a worker co-op and is working with Baltimore Roundtable of Economic Democracy on the shift in business model.  

Key Brewing is moving in with Monument City Brewing. While the two local breweries will retain their individual brands, they will enter a ”strategic partnership” in which production and some business operations will be streamlined. Key Brewing’s Dundalk tap room will remain open through October – and Key brews will now be available in the

The Corner Pantry, which has been undergoing a multi-phase renovation project as it expands, will be closed until November – except for its catering operation. For the rest of the month, the company will still be open for pickup and full service catering needs.

Unfortunately, the steak frites restaurant Medium Rare has closed its Rotunda location.

Fells Point happenings

This weekend is a big one in Fells Point.

The Fells Point Fun Festival, which has been taking place since 1967, is back again from Friday through Sunday. The festival is all about music and fun – and food and drinks. The menu includes everything from festival favorite Ekiben to Paradise Island Cuisine to Layton’s Chance wines from the Eastern Shore.

Given the action in Fells Point proper, the weekly Fells Point Farmers Market is moving its Saturday operations to its home away from home – Central Plaza at Harbor Point. The market will be as vibrant as ever – and is an easy stop on your way to the Festival.

Baltimore Taco Festival

Just a few steps away from Fells, Power Plant Live! also has a big weekend on the books, with the 7^th annual Baltimore Taco Festival. The festival, which takes place on Saturday and Sunday, includes over 25 taco (and other food) vendors, margarita bars, tequila flights and shots, chili pepper and taco eating contests, and even Lucha Libre wrestling.

Das Best Oktoberfest

The county is also buzzing this weekend, with the return of Das Best Oktoberfest to the Timonium Fairgrounds on Saturday. Tickets are available now for the party, which includes hundreds of beers, wines, ciders and schnapps to sample, live music, German sausages (and other food), and a sports stadium where guests can participate in competitions like stein holding, tug of war, and wiener-slinging.

Spirits of Maryland

The annual Spirits of Maryland event, celebrating the local craft spirits industry, takes place on Saturday, Oct. 5 at the Sagamore Spirit Waterfront. During the event, which features live music and food trucks, guests can meet the makers behind many local spirits, sample the goods and purchase bottles. Tickets are available for purchase now.

Honey Harvest Festival

On Sunday, Oregon Ridge Nature Center hosts its annual Honey Harvest Festival, a fun day of learning about beekeeping and honey, among many other things. The event also includes food trucks with smoothies, beer, coffee, donuts and barbecue, craft vendors, and live music.

Brunch business

Not only will Cece’s in Cross Keys start serving brunch this weekend, Johnny’s is also launching a bottomless mimosa special during Saturday and Sunday brunches.

This week’s Remington Brunch Club pop-up, which takes place on Saturday starting at 9 a.m. at Mount Royal Soaps, features a special collab from Big Softy and The Charmery. Among other things.

Whiskey & Cigars at True Chesapeake

On Monday, True Chesapeake Oyster Co. hosts a whiskey and cigar pairing event on its outdoor terrace. In addition to cigars and whiskey from Heaven Hill, the event includes roasted oysters and other snacks.

Café Campli wine dinner

On Tuesday, Café Campli will showcase the wines of Tenuta Giustini during a special wine dinner.

Dining Out for Life

Thursday, Oct. 10 is Dining Out for Life, the annual fundraiser for the nonprofit Moveable Feast. The event makes it so easy to contribute to a worthy organization – simply dine at one of the participating restaurants and they will donate a portion of proceeds to Moveable Feast.

As always, there are a ton of local restaurants participating – spots located all over the city and surrounding counties, from Café Gia to Papi’s Tacos to Silver Queen Café – and many more.

This year’s biggest donators are Clavel and Gertrude’s – each will contribute 50% of their proceeds to the cause.

Tagliata Wine Experience

Also on Thursday, Tagliata hosts an installment of its Wine Experience events. This one, called “USA Road Trippin’” is focused on wines from American wine regions like the Finger Lakes, Virginia and Michigan. The event includes a discussion of wine and history, plus a wine tasting and small bites.

Planning for the future

Mark your calendars for:

Oct. 12: Seafood Saturday at 32^nd St. Farmers Market

Oct. 16: Southern Italian Cooking Class at Cosima

Oct. 21: Flavors of Maryland

Get into an autumnal mood and spooky spirit with an array of fun Baltimore events this weekend.

From a festival dedicated to Edgar Allan Poe, to a witchy concert, explore it all in our weekend events roundup:

Schooner Race, Thursday, Oct. 3, 12 p.m., Chesapeake Bay. Catch a glimpse of the ships competing in the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race.

Medieval Monsters, Thursday, Oct. 3, 6 p.m., Guilford Hall Brewery. What better way to start spooky season than with a talk about the monsters that scared people in the past — and that might just haunt the present. This installment of the “Profs & Pints” series will be led by Lilla Kopár, a Catholic University professor of medieval literature and culture who teaches courses on medieval monster lore and Norse mythology.

Seasons of the Witch, Thursday, Oct. 3, 6:30 p.m., George Peabody Library. Kicking off the 2024/25 In the Stacks Concert Series, enjoy musical performances about the history of witchcraft and the persecution of women who were called witches.

New/Next Film Festival, Thursday, Oct. 3, through Sunday, Oct. 6, The Charles Theater. Enjoy four days of features, shorts, and other films at the New/Next Film Festival.

Charm City Fringe Festival, Thursday, Oct. 3, through Sunday, Oct. 6, The Peale Museum. Charm City Fringe Festival continues this weekend with theatrical, musical, and other performances.

Billie Eilish, Friday, Oct. 4, doors open at 5:30 p.m., event begins at 7 p.m., CFG Bank Arena. Birds of a feather will be flocking to the Billie Eilish concert at CFG Bank Arena on Friday. She will be making a stop in Baltimore as part of her “Hit Me Hard and Soft” tour to celebrate her album of the same name.

Zoo Boo, Friday, Oct. 4, through Sunday, Oct. 6, Maryland Zoo. With fall upon us, it’s time for the return of Zoo Boo. The series of events will kick off this weekend and run through Oct. 27. Navigate a hay maze, enjoy hay rides, watch an elephant smash pumpkins, meet animal ambassadors, trick or treat through the zoo, and more.

Edgar Allan Poe Festival, Friday, Oct. 4, through Sunday, Oct. 6, Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum. Celebrate one of the fathers of horror writing during the International Edgar Allan Poe Festival & Awards. This weekend also marks 75 years of honoring Poe’s legacy at the Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum.

Victorian-Era Walking Tour, Saturday, Oct. 5, 11 a.m., Seton Hill. Historian Emma Katherine Bilski will lead a walking tour of Baltimore’s Seton Hill neighborhood, where attendees will hear stories about Baltimore’s Black Catholic history, student pranks, asylums, and America’s oldest Gothic Revival masterpiece.

Peace and Wellness Festival, Saturday, Oct. 5, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Ruscombe Mansion Community grounds. Embrace peace and wellness with a drum circle, qi gong, healthy cooking demonstrations, a botanical beverage bar, and more.

Plants and Prints, Saturday, Oct. 5, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., BMA Lexington Market. Vonne Napper will lead this workshop about exploring plant life through relief printmaking. Participants will be able to make their own stamp and use it to create nature-inspired prints.

Sabrina Carpenter, Saturday, Oct. 5, doors open at 6 p.m., event begins at 7 p.m., CFG Bank Arena. If you have good judgement and good taste, you might find yourself at the Sabrina Carpenter concert this weekend. Known for her hits like “Please Please Please,” “Espresso” and “Taste,” Carpenter will perform in Baltimore on Saturday.

Brad Williams, Saturday, Oct. 5, 7 p.m., Lyric Baltimore. With multiple comedy specials and frequent guest appearances in TV and film, comedian Brad Williams will next take the stage in Baltimore this Saturday.

Fell’s Point Fun Festival, Saturday, Oct. 5, and Sunday, Oct. 6, Fells Point. Enjoy food, drinks, shopping, live music, and fun for the whole family at the Fells Point Fun Festival.

Blockbuster Broadway, Saturday, Oct. 5, and Sunday, Oct. 6, Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. New York’s top vocalists will perform a selection of songs from “Wicked,” “The Phantom of the Opera,” “Annie,” “Jersey Boys,” “The Sound of Music,” “Chicago,” “CATS,” “The Lion King,” and “A Chorus Line.”

From brunch goodies to wine education, the Baltimore food scene covers a lot of bases this week. Here’s a look at what’s coming up:

Openings & announcements

Kneads Bakeshop is opening a new location in The Shops at Canton Crossing. The café, which is slated to open in a few months, will offer breakfast, lunch, pastries and – eventually – brunch cocktails.

Bread & Circuses has gotten a cool facelift by way of a new mural honoring F. Scott Fitzgerald. If you’re in the Towson area, stop by to check out the vibrant artwork.  

Congratulations to Ammoora for making an appearance on the New York Times’ 2024 best restaurants list.  

Cece’s adds Sunday brunch to its lineup next week – starting on Oct. 6.

Remington Brunch Club

There’s a brand new brunch option in town, starting this Saturday – and returning every week. The Remington Brunch Club is a pop-up event that will take place in the parklet of Mt. Royal Soaps. This week’s lineup includes Café Los Suenos coffee and food from Nana, Illegal Tender, and Mr. Roast Beast.

Kimchi workshop

On Saturday morning, HEX Superette hosts a kimchi workshop, run by HEX Ferments co-founder Meaghan Carpenter. The class includes understanding the steps of making kimchi and a hands-on element resulting in a jar of kimchi to take home.

Bees Knees Week

Gunther & Co. is celebrating Bees Knees Week – an annual event sponsored by Barr Hill Gin – with the introduction of a new gin and honey cocktail called the Thomas Jasper Cat.

Dutch Courage is also in on the Bees Knees Week action, with new concoctions available daily, like the Lisbeth Salander, which combines Barr Hill Gin with Earl Grey tea, Kronan Swidish Pumsch, honey and lemon.

At Bunny’s, there are multiple Bees Knees-style cocktails to choose from this week.

During Bees Knees Week, participating restaurants, shops and individuals can get involved by posting photos and tagging Barr Hill. In exchange, for each post, the gin maker will plant bee habitats to help protect the bees.

Peabody Night at Sotto Sopra

On Sunday, Sotto Sopra will showcase local artists and Peabody students during its monthly Peabody Night event.

Wine Wednesdays at Magdalena

Starting on Oct. 2, Magdalena will host a monthly Wine Wednesday event. The first Wednesday of every month, the restaurant’s “Wine Guy” will lead a tasting and discussion focused on a specific wine region.

Greek Night at Ouzo Bay

On Friday, Oct. 4, Ouzo Bay will be even more Greek than usual, when the Harbor East restaurant celebrates Greek Night. The party includes live music, drink specials, traditional foods and some plate smashing, to add to the vibe.

Ggoma Supper Club x Jonah Kim

Tickets have gone live for the next Ggoma Supper Club event – and it’s a good one. On Monday, Oct. 28, Ggoma chef Tae Strain will team up with Jonah Kim, who became a Baltimore favorite during his time at PABU, the much-missed sushi restaurant that was located in the Four Seasons Hotel. Reed Cahill of Royal Blue will handle beverages.

The dinner, which will take place at Foraged Eatery, will focus on produce from the Mid Atlantic and flavors from Japanese and Korean cuisines.

Planning for the future

Mark your calendars for:

Oct. 12: Seafood Saturday at 32^nd St. Farmers Market

Oct. 16: Southern Italian Cooking Class at Cosima

Oct. 21: Flavors of Maryland