Walt's - the classic

Can't have a fun friend list without Walt's on it. It's definitely NOT a foodie place, but one we love and return to nonetheless. In fact, it's where we kicked off Tim's birthday weekend.  Well, a few of us.  Sara and Heather joined Joe and Tim on Friday, January 25.  Had a few drinks, lots of laughs and of course, sang a few songs.  Well, Tim did. And, there was a duet with Dawn the bartender. Adorable, it's captured on video, just ask Tim to see it. The four of us did "sing" together, if Sara and Heather ducking from the microphones counts as singing.  Brought back many fond memories of our weekly visits and Tim's regular play list.  No grain alcohol-soaked cherries were consumed that night.

I'm sure this will not be the last visit in 2013 and next time we'll have a larger crew.  Start thinking of your favorite karaoke songs, I'm sure Tim will join you.

Behold the List!

The Fun Friend Fifty, 2013 style:

1 Krispy Kreme bread pudding

2 Food truck

3 Smith Island Cake

4 Exotic beer at a Beer Bar

5 picnic - Ft. McHenry

6 Deli

7 Exotic cocktail

8 Lexington Market

9 Vegetarian restaurant

10 Sushi at Pabu happy hour

11 Groupon crawl

12 Retaurant within first month of opening

13 somewhere/something in annapolis

14 circulator or water taxi to a bar

15 bocce @la scala                                Feb 1

16 mums or other dive bar

17 oysters (or oyster night/hh/festival)

18 a steakhouse

19 mr bills or other crab place

20 outside @waterfront kitchen

21 belvedere square

22 dim sum or pho

23 samos

24 pumpkin @helmand

25 a drink in dewey

26 volt

27 pitango gelato

28 dogwood woodberry kitchen

29 tio pepe sangria or coffee drink

30 salt

31 peters inn

32 farmers market

33 joe squared or iggys or Matthews

34 outdoor movie

35 sweet potato fries @annabel lee or redstar

36 tues night@Gertrudes

37 papermoon, blue moon, sip n bite, miss shirleys

38 attend 3 festivals (fed hill, honfest, flowermart, etc)

39 walts or any karaoke

40 charleston for HH or a meal or beverage

41 1/2 price wine night anywhere

42 A wine/sake/beer tasting

43 trinacria (or dispasquales)

44 breastfest/tyanna event

45 a winery or brewery tour

46 duckpin bowling/ski ball/pinball

47 Cat's Eye

48 O's game

49 a pub crawl (could be new years day)              January 1!!!

50 Brewers art (resurrection/garlic fries)

51 Grand marnier @Oem/shot in the dark

52 Restaurant week meal anywhere

A new year a new challenge - first item of 2013

We didn't waste any time checking off one of the Friend Fifty items.  Of course, knowing this crew, only a pub crawl (#49) would do.

January 1, 2013 - the fourth annual new years day pub crawl. I joined the group around 1:30 (they hadn't gotten very far, bar #2 or 3 for them). Met up at The Point, where Kate was having a riveting conversation with some drunk girls spilling their secrets to Kate the Sex Therapist. And, next to that was Shelley and some drunk girls, who friended her on Facebook and she made a dentist appointment for one of them. And, some drunk girls bought Cathy a shot of patron right as she walked in the door. With all of that, I was ready to go!  Mimosas all around and then off to John Stevens.

Place looked kind of tame, so we deemed it a "shot" bar. One espresso vodka later we were at Wharf Rat. Spent a fair amount of time there, a few of us needed food to make sure we could last the day. The new year's day tiara made its rounds. At this point we were at full strength with Julie, Cathy, Sara, Heather, Shelley, Carrie, Jeff, Dustin, Gautam (minus Kate - too much merriment the night before) and Kent and Kate (who actually started around 9am). Tried to go to Bar, but when we walked in, realized it was closed. Settled for Max's where we ran into another group of new years day revelers who some knew Sara and some knew Julie. It truly is Smalltimore!  After a long stop at Max's (where I had a beer buddy, split a beer w/Kate) off to Bertha's for a shot, to keep the day moving.  XL fireballs all around and on the move again. Kent, Kate and Gautam dropped off at this point.

Next up, Ledbetters where it was the girls and Dustin. And, he got an earful thanks to Shelley's colorful stories. Cheap beers and lots of laughter (and we were pretty much the only patrons). Derrick joined us to give Dustin a respite. We realized it was time for food and hopped over to Dudas. A few of us had the complimentary egg nog while we awaited food and drink. Heather and Sara split food (shocker!) and Cathy loved her burger.  Derrick's friend Jon joined us and the hilarity continued.

Hunger satisfied, or at least food in system so drinking could continue, it was  off to the Horse for one last beverage before calling it a day.  Really bad '80s singer (who was definitely NOT around in the '80s and another successful kick off to a fun year!  And of course, a perfect way to kick off the Fun Friend Fifty in fabulous style!

Its back...Foodie Challenge 2013 or the Fun Friend Fifty

After a much too long hiatus, the foodie friends are back with a new challenge for 2013.  This list of 52 (because 50 just wasn't enough, but 100 is still far too many) represents what we think are the best and most eclectic items Baltimore has to offer.  We invite you to join us on this journey of food, drink, friendship and of course, lots of fun.

We will be planning some events, but highly encourage all of you to do some of these on your own and blog about it as well.  We are still working on that functionality on this sight so stay tuned for more info.

Many of you already have one to cross off - #49 - pub crawl and New Year's Day definitely counts for those of you who joined us then.

Rules (there aren't many but we do need a few)

1 - Eat, drink and have a great time
2 - Let us know if you want to be notified of group outings and considered for prizes at the end
3 - Someone blogs about the said great time.  Include everyone's name who attended to get "credit" for the outing.
4 - Extra points where noted on the list and extremely fun comments on the blog
5 - Did we say have fun?

Happy eating and drinking!

Best of lists

It couldn't be the end without a best of/worst of list. And, as we reflect on the journey, here are some of the things that stand out:

Favorite outings:

Mr. Bills

Yes, our waitress was great but that’s not the only reason that we loved this outing. (though we did love that she fixed her hair before the photo) And, a local (thank you Eric) confirmed that this is the place for hard shells. Perhaps it started with having to show up two hours early and “having” to order pitchers of beer to pass the time, but we don’t think that’s it either. It wasn’t the gravy fries, cheese balls, crab fluff (ok - true disclosure - we didn’t order that). It was the company! Thank you Heather, Sara, Donya & Julie! (And our unnamed waitress, apparently Mr. Bill’s main squeeze!)

Lexington Market

Two outings. Very different. But both too fun! Big gang for the first one (see posting for list). Sporting our BSSC finery, we ran around the market (only Heather really knew where we were at any given time) gathering goodies. Too much good food. And buried treasure such as Naron candy. A blast from the past! Second trip. Smaller. Bringing in outside food (thank you Trinacria!). Tim and Heather munching on chicken livers. Not that horrible, according to Heather. Tim preferred the gizzards. A true team effort to try it all. (This chicken in the box better than Tyrone’s)

Hampden

Well, this was our lesson in learning to call to make sure places were open! On our first outing, diehards may remember that nothing was open from 3-5. Amazing that we still crossed off numerous random items (and added one to the satellite list - we love you Wine Source!). Second trip seeing the lights and having a great meal at Rocket to Venus was inspired (Brilliant idea, Sara!).

Clipper City (AKA Heavy Seas)

Donya. Squeaking. Tasty beer. Enough said. (Also the first time we met Joey - welcome to the group!) Also, to add to the satellite list – Heavy Seas beer at the Fells Point Festival.

Outdoor Movies (or lack thereof)

New Moon in Fells. Possibly the best of all worlds when we had an amazing meal (thanks to Donya, Julie and furthest traveled foodie Valentina) and then the movie was rained out! But, the food was delicious and we ate it all (couldn’t finish the smith island cake but I’ll bet no one expected us to). Movie in Little Italy. Couldn’t stomach that movie so finished the food and left! Definitely scheduling a return trip next year (and we’ll arrive early to get some lawn chair space).

H Mart.

Thanks to Tim for introducing us to his favorite grocery store. Only regret is no whole fish. Guess we need a return trip! We followed this up with a trip for Pho (not on the list). And, when will Tim open Pearl Jam - oyster farm/restaurant/brewery/jewelry store/crushed shell repository)? Tim, Tom, Steph, Sara & Heather had a fascinating conversation.

Tour of Samos

Our first big event and still near and dear in our hearts. So many have wanted to try Samos and we certainly did the “tour” right! BYOB, no reservations and cash only.

Prime Rib

Our largest outing outside of the parties. Potato skins were a huge surprise. The fun evening was not. The bright pink meat (closer to red!) selected by Mo and Tim (across & next to Heather) was also not a surprise! Think there were some doggie bags taken home.

Picnic

Belongs in the better late than never category, although, in hindsight, fall is the best time to hit Ft McHenry. Think most people were hung over post Halloween, but Sara, Kent, Kate, Jeff, Tim and Heather managed. (And ate well thanks to Heather’s great shopping at Whole Foods.)

Eichenkrantz

When you are the only ones in the restaurant, it always helps to have a chatty waitress. And, when it’s your first time there, it helps to learn the ropes (especially when both the waitress and owner don’t like German food). Maybe the last time we are there too but it was interesting, and the Christmas tree and music were a nice touch. (The food mediocre, the beer tasty – as one would expect.)

Opening party

Eight items. Great way to kick off the list. Single highest night of items consumed. (Not calories consumed - that honor goes to the night that we solely had Vacarros all you can eat, it was all we could eat, in spite of just getting one dessert apiece).

Holiday party

It was a race to get everything, but we made it work (and no snowstorm this year). Great turnout and great beverages. Oh and foodie stuff, quite an eclectic mix of leftovers – assorted ham (and veggie ham) items, biscuits, chicken salad and Mary Sue Easter Eggs (yes, purchased in December). Perfect mix to go with the eclectic white elephant gifts!

Cinghale, cinghale, cinghale...

Glasses of wine consumed: 23 (and counting?)

Times told Tony wasn’t there: 6

Others who joined in quest to find Tony: 8

Times that we humored Clark: 2

Overly expensive checks: 1+

Glasses of overpriced port: 3

Free items received: 1

Getting to meet Tony Foreman: Priceless

Charleston:

Perfect way to celebrate the end to any challenge.

Outdated

Blue Agave chocolate chile bread pudding - where did you go?

Rob formerly of Cinghale - deserted us to Chicago

Naron candy - not really even sold anymore. Why are you on the list?

Only in because we’re in Maryland:

Natty Boh (award for cheapest item on the list!)

Marshmallow & snowball (who thought of this combo? How? and most importantly, why?)

Chicken box (is it really worthy of two spots on the list?) (no)

Shrimp salad (so Maryland. Mary Mervis - so delicious)

Flower mart (still question the crabcake here, but the lemon, peppermint? Yum)

Bull oyster roast (Now we know what it is - and it doesn’t even need a bull or an oyster!)

Pit beef without a door (thank you Mo)

Old bay (it’s everywhere you want to be)

Too hard/obscure

a-rab for fruits and veggies (why are you so hard to find when we are looking for you and why did we wait so long?)

Murky middle (not the top; not the bottom; maybe belong on the list; but not really worth talking about)

Bertha’s mussels

2 chicken boxes

Corned beef Attmans

Black eyed susan at preakness

Pit beef from Boogs (really a ploy to get people to go to an O’s game)

Shoes & chocolate together

Sausages (do we need 3 on the list?)

Peach cake

Wockenfuss - both

Liquid earth

Charcuterie

Vacarros

Donna’s roasted veggies

Da mimmo

Bookmaker salad

bagel - gregs

tamales

coddies

attmans

gravy fries

grauls

otterbeins

pastores

wine market

BES cupcake

MS easter eggs

eichenkrantz

We don't really need a list for...

Ok, we don't really need a list to tell us what to do, but if we did, these would be on it.

These are things many of us had done prior, but the return visit is always a pleasure! Needless to say, we agree with these and they are keepers.

1. Resurrection Ale and garlic fries at Brewers Art
2. Mac and Cheese and Chocolate at Jack's Bistro
3. JFX Farmers Market
4. Pumpkin appetizer at the Helmand
5. Iggies and Joe Squared
6. Pitango Gelato (try the espresso/chocolate noir combo - it's our favorite!)
7. Rocket to Venus and Golden West
8. Woodberry Kitchen (though really - deviled eggs & popcorn - so much is better there!)
9. Mozzarella pie at Matthew's
10. Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding at Ale Marys
11. Tour of Samos
12. Sofis crepes and a movie at the Charles
13. Oysters and beer at Cross Street Market (see - we do go to Federal Hill)
14. Zeke's coffee
15. Margarita in a hubcap at Nacho Mamas
16. Sip n Bite
17. Bloody Mary with an old bay rimmer (enjoyed many times this past year!)
18. Dinner at Salt

See you at all of these places in 2011 and beyond!

Foodie Rankings

Some of our favorites and not so favorites. Every time we talked to someone new about the list they always wanted to know our favorites. We've decided to create several lists. It was the best of food, it was the worst of food.

10 Most Surprising (in a good way) - in no particular order

1. Mr. Bills Terrace Inn (no terrace, in fact no windows, but darn good crabs)
2. Red Canoe (who knew?!)
3. Sushi in Towson (insulting to have to leave the city but necessary)
4. Andy Nelson's (funny that a BBQ place made the top for two non-meat eaters)
5. Brunch at the Ambassador (definitely sit outside and have mangosas to wash down Indian and an omelet station!)
6. Cafe Zen string bean rolls (huge roll, huge surprise, look up the photo!)
7. Dominion Ice Cream (veggie ice cream) (the best way to eat veggies - spinach, beet, carrot anyone?)
8. Trinacria! (amazing Italian deli - even away from Little Italy)
9. Sandwich at Eddie's (check out the sandwich board!)
10. Dog with the works at Polock Johnny's (wasn't expecting that, great on turkey dogs)

Top 10 Favorites (in no particular order, too hard to compare), this one had to go to Eleven

1. Rheb's buttercreams (best of candy on the list, by far, thank you Christina!)
2. Smith Island cake from Sugarbakers (you must see the photo!)
3. Trinacria (yes, on both lists)
4. Charleston ('nuff said)
5. Ma Petite Shoe (really, how could shoes & chocolate not make the list)
6. Faidley's crab cake (the original, the best, the only - apologies to G&M)
7. Tour of Samos (great food, great group, and BYOB)
8. Berger cookies & Berger cookie pie! (decadent and worth the calories, a MD treasure)
9. Chiaparelli's salad! (the best salad, it's all about the cheese)
10. Tio Pepe Sangria! (way better than the food)
11. DiPasquales (yum, worth trying all kinds of things there)

The WTF list (aka what were they thinking)

1. Soft shell crabs on white bread (shudder, shudder, shudder)
2. Fried green pepper rings at Gunnings (shudder, shudder, shudder)
3. Fried chicken livers at Lexington Market (although better than gizzards)
4. MD stuffed ham (Sara's version was ok)
5. Turkey & sauerkraut (veggie turkey didn't quite cut it, Sara still has a gallon of sauerkraut in her fridge!)
6. MD beaten biscuits (labor intensive for Julie, we appreciated the effort and elbow grease)
7. Raw beef & onion (the tuna tartare substitute wasn't bad)
8. Lake trout & grape soda (looked better on TV in The Wire)
9. Late night dinner at Bel Loc Diner (it closes at 10pm!)
10. Fruits & veggies from an a-rab (too hard to find when you're looking for him!)