June 11, 2012

Weekend Update: Part 923

Busy weekend here in Baltimore, but not as busy as next weekend will be.
I was invited to a reception at one of the historic houses in Baltimore that’s really an unknown treasure. It’s the Cylburn Arboretum, an old stone mansion on beautiful grounds, which are now maintained as a nature preserve. The reception took place on the main porch and in a lovely tent, but I’ve heard that the inside is pretty amazing, so you can bet I will be back there to take some more images. But on this lovely sunny summer afternoon, it was gorgeous.
I am completely in love with the French doors on this house. I’ve never seen any quite like them.
The woodwork on the house is quite amazing, although it needs a good sanding and numerous coats of paint to protect the old wood. This stained glass is over the front doors, and although I didn’t check, I understand there are some incredible mosaics behind the doors.
These two gentlemen had everyone at the party charmed.
And the bride and groom were pretty incredible, too. Thanks for including me!

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There’s nothing better than a great new restaurant opening just a few blocks away, especially when the Chef is a friend of a friend, and you know his food is amazing.
David and I had a truly amazing meal at The Food Market, which just opened this weekend. It was formerly an old grocery store that has been completely redone with interiors by friends, SMG Architects. Chef Chad Gauss told us that it’s a kitchen with a restaurant attached, meaning that the food is paramount.This is late on their second night of operation and when we got there, the place was pretty crowded. The kitchen takes up the entire back of the space.
The crew at SMG made this lighting fixture, which is about 20+ feet long, and resembles a kitchen hood. There are several communal tables at The Food Market which is common in Europe, and just catching on here in the States.
The food was excellent and unique without being strange. A lot of times I think that chefs just pull a bunch of ingredients together and it all sounds like some foodie word jumble, instead of a well-thought out dish.
I can’t recommend The Food Market enough!
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Friends Kit and Nolan and I headed up to Ladew Gardens for the opening evening of their “Groovin’ in the Grass” music series. Concerts are held on Sunday evenings from 6:00 to 8:00 in the Bowl. There’s not a prettier setting for music anywhere that I know!
This evening’s music was provided by the Cris Jacobs Band. Cris’s family are my friends who own DeBois Textiles. Cris fronted the band The Bridge for years before setting up this band. They’re sort of a jam band, and it was such fun being in such a great space, listening to great local music. Everyone brings blankets and chairs and a picnic supper and sits and listens to the music.

Now, how was your weekend?