Federal Hill Main Street, Inc. 42 E. Cross Street, Baltimore, MD 21230 tel: 410.727.4500 fax: 410.727.7505 Executive Director: Jane Seebold www.historicfederalhill.org November - December 2010 Shop Right: Shop Local! By Chelsea Ryder It’s almost that time of year again: holiday season. But have no fear! This year, make your shopping experience fun and efficient without even leaving the neighborhood. The Federal Hill business district offers many unique shops sure to satisfy all your gift giving needs. And what’s more, by shopping locally, your hard-earned dollars are kept within the community. Local businesses are owned by people who live here, work here, and are invested in the success of our neighborhood just like you! From linens to skin care items, jewelry, art, clothing, and even goodies to spoil the family pet, the possibilities are endless (far too many to name here!). There are also gift certificates available for spa treatments, yoga classes, great dining, and entertainment spots. Check out our Online Business Directory at the top of our Web site: www.historicfederalhill.org Federal Hill even boasts its very own toy store: Ladybugs&Fireflies (1049 South Charles). What owner Andrea Sommer (who lives, works, volunteers, and raises children here) values most about our business district is its small, but abundant offerings. “As a neighborhood shopper, I can attest that it is great knowing that my dollar is going further, contributing to the neighborhood I live, work, and play in,” said Andrea. “And, I love the fact that if we don’t have it, we will send you somewhere in the neighborhood that does,” she explained. Federal Hill Main Sreet, Inc. Elisa Hill showcases some of the great gift items at Pandora’s Box. “Why stand in long lines at the mall when you can just bring in your wish list, do all your shopping, and be greeted with great customer service,” said Monesha Phillips, owner of Pandora’s Box (50 East Cross), which carries whimsical gifts, jewelry, bags, accessories, office odds & ends, and kitchen ware. In the past, merchandise was geared toward the younger set, but now shoppers can also find items for grandma, mom, mom-to-be, and even some for dad. In addition to strengthening the local economy, shopping Federal Hill is also rewarding: finding the perfect gifts for friends and family members at the many one-of-a-kind stores. continued on page 4 is a Baltimore Main Streets Initiative Designed by Rachel Stachowiak 1 I Live Here, You Live Here, and It’s Our Main Street Get Gorgeous at Couture Closet By Helen Huriaux Remember playing dress-up, preening in front of a mirror, rehearsing for future grown-up glamour? Well, you can find that fashion future at Couture Closet, 1004 Light Street, where Federal Hill resident and owner Jessica Atkins carries discount designer clothing to die for. Whether you’ve chosen a classic sweater or a snazzy evening dress, you’ll look marvelous. At about 85% off retail, you can outfit yourself in Dolce & Gabbana, Alexander McQueen, Tom Ford, Prada, Carolina Herrera, or Michael Kors sizes 0 to 16. “I have a stable of local customers, many from Federal Hill. I call and let them know what’s new,” she said. Her customers include museum curators, collectors, socialites, actresses, lawyers, and TV anchorwomen. “Having women come in and try things on,” says Jessica, “that’s rewarding for me. I see customers at their best, looking great and feeling great.” How did Jessica get the idea for her unique business? “It was a complete fluke,” she said, when she was studying for a history degree in Cambridge, where her husband, Sean, was stationed. In the late nineties, surfing the Internet, she noticed that, “A lot of collectors were looking for hot new things available only in Europe. Lots of times, they were paying more than retail.” Through a friend, she snagged an invitation to a sale at a London warehouse, began sending merchandise to collectors, and never stopped. She made more contacts for purchasing designer clothing, items that never made it to the runway because of problems like dropped orders and others worn once in a fashion show. Now, instead of being there in person, she looks at runway shows online and orders from people who set up photo shoots and shows. Jessica’s personal life mirrors her charmed career. She met her future husband in college in California. “We eloped when he got orders for England right out of basic training. It was very 2 once a week to lead a Cub Scouts group. Her inventory grew too large for her house, so she opened Couture Closet in October 2009. At her neat desk near the size zero dresses, she e-mails and talks on the phone, successfully using a combination of English and what she terms “mangled” French or Italian. About 70% of the 50 to 100 orders she fills every month go to international customers. Jessica worked closely with Lisa Ponzoli of Babe (a boutique) on last year’s fabulous Fashion Show at Fest-of-All. The pair will be back at the Baltimore Museum of Industry with lots more fashion and fun at this year’s Fest-ofAll on Saturday, February 26. Save the date – you won’t want to miss THE party of the season! Upcoming Events Friday, Nov. 5, 10th Annual Exhibition featuring works by Crystal Moll, 5-8 pm, Christ Lutheran Church, 701 S. Charles.Proceeds benefit Baltimore Outreach Services Homeless Women & Children’s Shelter. Info: drich@baltimoreout reachservices.org Sunday, Nov. 7, Bach Concert Series, Cantata 84, 4 pm, Christ Lutheran Church, 701 S. Charles St. Free. Info: www.bachinbaltimore. org Jessica Atkins displays one of her fashionable items. romantic and it saved our parents a fortune,” she said. Next stop was three years in Hawaii, then Fort Meade, Maryland. When she and Sean began their search for a house in Federal Hill, chosen because of the park, school and easy access to Fort Meade, she said, “We lucked out. We found a house and closed that day.” During the three weeks it took for their furniture to arrive from Hawaii, “Our neighbors made care baskets with everything from paper towels, toiletries, to food and even furniture. It was like a 1950s movie - amazing. We knew we’d come to the right place.” Jessica’s sons, Tristan and Julian, attend Federal Hill Prep. “The kids jumped right in and they love it here,” said Jessica, who finds time Wednesday, Nov. 10, Re-stART with ART fundraiser for The Baltimore Station, 6-9 pm, Church of the Redeemer, 5603 N. Charles St. Shop for great holiday gifts and support a worthy cause. Tickets and info: Danielle Maggio, dmaggio@baltimorestation.org. Sunday, Nov. 14, Make-A-List Day at Ladybugs&Fireflies, 1049 S. Charles. Kids can make their holiday wish lists and create crafts for the shop window! Treats for kids and parents, too! Info: www.ladybugsandfireflies.com Wednesday, Nov. 17, 8th Annual Holiday Expo of Women Entrepreneurs of Baltimore, 4:307:30 pm, Digital Harbor High School. Shop, network, enjoy refreshments, and celebrate the season while supporting locally owned small businesses and WEB. Free. Info: www.webinc.org Saturday, Dec. 4, Opening Reception and Demonstration by Mosaic Artist Matteo Randi, 2 to 5 pm, Artesanos don Bosco, 828 S. Charles St. Using traditional materials of stone and glass, Randi adds a contemporary perspective by integrating shell, driftwood, and stone from riverbeds into his mosaic pieces. Info: info@artesanosdonbosco.com Sunday, Dec. 5, Bach Concert Series, Third Cantata from the Christmas Oratorio, followed by Bach Fest , 4 pm, Christ Lutheran Church, 701 S. Charles St. Free. Info: www.bachinbaltimore.org Main Street: From Japan to Federal Hill Hiro Matsumoto (left) enjoyed the Federal Hill Street Beat Festival during his tour of successful Main Street programs in the Baltimore-Washington area. He is interested in starting a similar program in his Japan hometown. Hiro is pictured here with Lauren Atkins, National Main Street Center, and Jane Seebold, Federal Hill Main Street. 3 continued from page 1 Even if that special gift is not sophisticated lingerie (but if it is, The Bottom Drawer has many choices) or Bakelite jewelry (but if it is, Vanessa’s Vintage Treasures is your place), or a beautiful sweater (but if it is, check out Amy’s Boutique, Babe, or Whimsy), a stroll down Light, South Charles, and the streets in between will get you to many shops with fun and creative options. Don’t forget to check out the holiday “Hon Balls” at Zelda Zen! Back at Ladybugs&Fireflies, the shop is chockfull: building toys, games, books, dress-up items, craft kits, and more to inspire imaginative play, many of which are eco-friendly. Andrea keeps row houses and restaurants in mind by stocking toys that are portable and compact. She also carries some great items produced right in the neighborhood: knit hats, bottle cap necklaces, “diaper cakes,” and bracelets woven by her daughter Josie, with all Henry Bethell of Federal Hill South checks proceeds donated to BARCS animal shelter. Don’t forget the great Shopping Extravaganza, MOONLIGHT out the options at Ladybugs&Fireflies. MADNESS, on Friday, December 10! Many businesses stay open until midnight and offer progressive discounts throughout the night. Free gift wrapping and refreshments at Federal Hill Main Street. Since becoming an intern at Federal Hill Main Street, I have noticed a definite “live here, work here, love here” attitude. This allows the area to thrive, and has inspired me to want to move here when I graduate. So, show your love for those special people in your life by purchasing gifts for them from the place you love: Federal Hill. Experts Discuss Small Business Financing By Jane Seebold The Federal Hill business district was well represented at a recent workshop entitled “Ready, Set… Money!” Co-sponsored by Federal Hill Main Street and Women Entrepreneurs of Baltimore (WEB) and held at WEB (1118 Light Street), the event featured speakers from both the private and public sectors who discussed financing options for small businesses. “This workshop was WEB’s first partnership effort with Federal Hill Main Street and it was a great success,” said Joanne Saltzberg, WEB CEO, who moderated the event. “The panel provided excellent information on small business lending programs to a very engaged audience. We look forward to future events that will help strengthen the small business community.” Panelist Dawn Medley, Maryland Department of Housing & Community Development, described several state lending programs including a new one to make lowinterest microloans available directly to small businesses.“Without small businesses, you don’t have thriving communities,” said Medley. This comment struck a chord with Federal Hill merchants such as Amy Mutch (Amy’s Boutique), who opened her shop at 1133 South Charles after becoming active in community improvement efforts in South Baltimore. “I’m very glad that I went,” said Lisa Ponzoli of Babe.(a boutique) at 910 South Charles. “I hope that the new state microloan program accomplishes the stated goal of helping small businesses and that the focus on that does not get lost.” Other panelists included Watchen Harris Bruce, PNC Bank; O.J. Phillips, U.S. Small Business Administration; Shelia Johnson, Strategic Economic Solutions LLC; and Eric Loewe, ECDC Enterprise Development Group. There were 25 attendees, including local businesses and entrepreneurs who graduated from WEB and now run their own businesses. Colin Lippy of Baltimore Rent-a-Tour (42 East Cross) appreciated the opportunity to interact with professional lenders. “I also found the networking aspects to be beneficial as well,” said Colin. Federal Hill Main Street and WEB, a nonprofit organization that provides training and other assistance to entrepreneurs, hope to collaborate on additional workshops in the future. Info: www.webinc.org or admin@historicfederalhill.org State Farm® Providing Insurance and Financial Services Home Office, Bloomington, Illinois 61710 Eve Hamper, Agent 1118 Light Street Ste A Baltimore, MD 21230 Bus: 410-528-8900 Fax: 410-528-7733 eve@evehamper.com The greatest compliment you can give is a referral. P045151 4/04 4 Wake Up and Smell the Hummus! 1033 Light Street 5 Area’s Newest Self Storage Complex We have a variety of unit sizes to meet every storage need, whether it is shortterm or long-term. CONVENIENTLY LOCATED AT Lansdowne Station 3551 Washington Blvd Baltimore, MD 21230 410.247.0470 www.storeIt-usa.com 6 Office hours: Monday – Friday: 9am - 6pm Saturday & Sunday: 9am - 5pm Access Hours: 6am to 8pm daily Present this coupon and Receive 50% off your monthly Rent For the first 3 months also receive a Free Professional Lock with new rental* *see or call manager for complete details. 7 exploring how to make it even better by filling in some missing pieces. (Art, continued from page 1) natural light I could not go back.” excellent.” nick said he was pleased Photographers Shine at YWGC Realty When Mark opened his gallery, Mark Cottman finds artistic with the crowd. “I made just enough Crystal said, “Welcome! The more art, the better!” expression just as compelling. In 1999, Mark let the artist in him take over his sales.” Erin Erb, Erbanart, Baltimore County, said, “There were a lot of Crystal recently combined her career as an architectural engineer. A people interested in looking at and By Tyler Merbler Construction | Remodel Repair | Maintenance merchandise for the store. I’m 10 shopping at Amy’s Boutique because minutes from BWI, 10 minutes from Penn Two Great Events: One Week! I know that I can Station; I can walk to Ravens and Orioles always find something games. I’m also 2 minutes from a cruise unique ship. How many cities can say that?!” there - it’s clothing, It’s easy Don’t miss two of Federal Hill’s best events! whetherAnd, on Friday, December 10,to8see pmthat to Amy’s mid- love for Federal runs deep and that The 15th annual FESTIVE FLAVORS is Tuesday, jewelry, night, or takesome advantage of our Hill great local shopkind of nice gift.” she has high hopes for its future. December 7, 6 to 10 pm. Join friends and ping during MOONLIGHT MADNESS! Most shops “We loves “to need to preserve the great neighbors for a tasty tour of Federal Hill. Groups andAmy galleries stay open until midnight andbusinesses offer women that throughout we have – and new ones go to 7 different establishments to eat, drink, encourage progressive discounts theattract evening. outside their from to South complement them. Recreation I think it’d be socialize, and celebrate. Tickets are a bargain to step Young carolers Baltimore at $55. Call 410-727-4500 or order online at Centerzone will kick thetoevening withdaytime some music comfort and off nice see more vitality. www.historicfederalhill.org 8 pm. looks.” Watch forI’m strolling too! And, try at different thrilled musicians, about the Purple line of by boutique Federal Hill Street FREE giftdrawing She stop fills her theMain Charm Cityfor Circulator wrapping and light refreshments. It’s a Federal with clothes that will more people into the neighborhood.” Hill the holiday Info: 410-727-4500. flatter body tradition! at Amy frequently taps into her Harrison Hart, a high work with that of four other artists self-taught artist, Mark works in various buying art.” Artists Cissy Smith Marks school student and (Bill Tamburrino, Stewart White, Bill traditional mediums. He also uses a and Paul Marks, Stephen Kishel, Crystal Is it a real estate office or an art gallery? The son of YWGC Realtor Wilson, and Will Williams) for a unique PalmPilot to make black and white Moll, and Matthew Freel also exhibited answer is both! Yerman Witman Gaines & ConkBarbie Cox. Each show featuring paintings of Federal Hill digital drawings. Some are collected in their work. lin Realty (YWGC), 1011 Light Street, recently received an iPad scenes from different perspectives. his book, “Personal Digital Art: Capturing “The festival was a great way hosted a photography contest and exhibit that contributed by The Crystal started out as a still-life painter Fleeting Thoughts.” for us to connect with the community. showed off an amazing amount of local talent. Strata Group, the because she liked the structure of Artists who showed their work We were able to bring the art out where Stop by and check out the attractive entries, parent company of organized arrangements. “But once at the Main Street Jazz&Blues Wine&Art the public and neighbors could see it,” and look for more opportunities in Festival the future. YWGC Realty. I saw Baltimore’s city streets,” she included nick Aumiller, Halcyon said Jordan Faye Block of jordan faye “Bob [Merbler] and I were so excited about “The broad said, “I thought, ‘they have their Studios, Baltimore, MD, who said, “It contemporary at 1401 light St. Jordan our beautiful office space that we have decided scope, beauty, andexhibited her own work and that of 16 own structure,’ and I switched to city was great to meet and talk to people, to change the walls every two months, until we creativity of the other local artists. landscapes. And once I painted in and the location for the art venue was run out of ideas,” said YWGC’s Cindy Conklin. photo contest en“We were thrilled with all the wonderful pictries make it incred(Circulator, continued from page 1) the Charm City Circulator riders getting Business Association, which purchased tures entered in the contest that really capture ibly hard to judge a information on to riders. Federal on and off in the neighborhood represent “Welcome to Historic Federal Hill” flags the spirit of Baltimore.” winner,” said profesHill Main Street also played a key role different groups: commuters, shoppers, (in purple, ofWinning course) photograph to line the streets. by Categories were “Urban Nightlife,” “Animals sional photographer Harrison Hart. in getting the bus route extended from diners, tourists, visitors. All had very Charm City Circulator maps and Wildlife,” “The Domino Sign,” and “MiscelRon Solomon of OtterMontgomery Street to Ostend Street so positive things to say about the service. and schedules are available at the Main laneous.” First prize winner from the public was bein. “I can’t wait to see Federal Hill would have more service. “Business owners are thrilled,” said Street office, 42 E. Cross Street. Info: Jenn Whalen, and from the YWGC family group, the next competition.” An informal survey shows that Sonny Morstein, President “I of Federal Hillprofessional www.charmcitycirculator.com have no training or schooling, but photography is dear to my heart and has been since my first camera over 25 years ago,” said Jenn. Opening November 4th at YWGC is a one man show by Johns Hopkins School of Public Health Federal Antiques Professor andRestorations Chair Dr. Thomas & Hartung, whose photographs will be displayed through the end of Quality Furniture the year.Period A new*Antique contest,* with “to be announced” categories Restored and prizes is planned for January * Refinished * Repaired 2011. Suggestions are welcome. Info: cconklin@ RESIDENTIAL | COMMERCIAL 40 years of Experience ywgcrealty.com,Over 410-727-0606. Insurance-Commercial-Residential & Transit South is a frequent customer. “I like Amy Mutch at Amy’s Boutique has an eye for unique and attractive accessories and clothing. Retail was high on her list. While at a Federal Hill Main Street event, Theresa Cangialosi of SoBotanical told Amy, “You keep bringing it up, why don’t you open a boutique?” And with that, Amy began her research. Being a lover of fashion and interested in engaging with other women, Amy decided to take a leap and open a shop “where clothing and accessories suggest sophistication and fun.” “Things just started falling into place,” said Amy. I told myself as long as I don’t hit any major road blocks, I’ll stay on this path.” Amy’s Boutique at 1133 South Charles Street opened four years ago and has built a loyal customer base. has also any age. While many experience as a nurse practitioner in regular customers running her business, in terms of both live in Federal Hill, interacting effectively with customers Amy’s and assessing the needs of the business tapped Boutique into surrounding to make it grow. She is married to counties. “Having a salon [M Salon] Patrick Mutch, who shares her love of next door is great for business, and city living and community activism. so is word of mouth. As of late, we’ve They have two adult children. had a lot of people stop by because they’ve admired Amy’s clothing seen on other customers,” said Amy. Amy’s passion for the neighborhood is evident through her actions. She is a board member of Hill the Federal Business Association, is active in the South 2 In Home Touch-ups*French Polishing*Veneering and Inlay Custom Made Furniture * Bars *Built-ins Drywall | Carpentry | Gutters Floors | Painting EMERGENCY SERVICES AVAILABLE Owned by Baltimore Natives MHIC #66090 6 8 Visit our Showroom located on the 2nd Floor Mature Babysitter Available! Phina’s for the Home*919 S. Charles St ~Long-time local410-925-8797 resident and parent of two teenagers, Janina Walls, is available for part-time babysitting jobs. References available. Call 443-386-6590 or email janinawalls@gmail.com GREG SCAGLIOTTI Branch Sales Manager Wells Fargo Home Mortage | 1118 Light Street 410-244-3384 - Office | 610-394-5438 - Cell | 866-519-7043 - Fax Greg.Scagliotti@WellsFargo.com 9 Spotlight on Business Abbey Burger Bistro, 1041 Marshall, made USA TODAY as Maryland’s pick for the country’s 51 greatest hamburger joints (50 states and the District of Columbia). “In Baltimore’s restaurantabundant Federal Hill neighborhood, The Abbey Burger Bistro, has a patty for every taste…” The article cites the Abbey’s “build-a-burger” menu and its unique offerings, bread options, and delicious shakes with a kick. Congratulations, Russ and Jon, and the whole crew! ACE Hardware, 1214 Light Street, offers free mercury thermostat recycling. Simply drop off your old one (mercury switch must be intact), and ACE will ship the mercury materials to Thermostat Recycling Corporation for proper disposal. Mercury is a heavy metal that presents a health hazard through immediate contact and must be disposed of properly. Info: 410-2445910. Artesanos don Bosco (828 South Charles), Klein’s Antiques (912 S. Charles), Phina’s for the Home (919 S. Charles), Shofer’s Furniture (930 S. Charles), and Zelda Zen (46 E. Cross) made an impressive spread in a recent Baltimore Sun “At Home” page. Each Zelda Zen carries fun and fanciful “Hon Balls.” Photo by Chelsea Ryder. local business was featured with a description and photograph, demonstrating that Federal Hill is “home to several stores that offer all sorts of furnishings and housewares that can make your home a great hangout.” Check out these and all our great shops for yourself! Babe.(a boutique), 910 South Charles, is making the fashion pages! Three photos featuring gloves and a bracelet available at Babe graced the pages of Style magazine, while a recent Baltimore Sun style page displayed Babe’s fabulous 10 selection of clothes and accessories for helping you “get your Ravens purple on.” Don’t worry if you can’t get into the shop, owner Lisa Ponzoli is introducing online shopping through the Babe Web site: www.babeaboutique.com. You can browse and purchase tops, dresses, jeans, outerwear, and accessories from the comfort of home now, but not everything in the shop will be available online, says Lisa. For one thing, it would be hard to keep the site up to date with new inventory arriving all the time! Federal Hill Printing, 914 Light St, has not allowed a shrinking economy to slow them down. Owner David Lapides recently purchased equipment to offer exciting new services to neighborhood and corporate clients. Two “direct to garment” printing machines enable printing on tee shirts, hats, towels, tote bags, or whatever fits into the machine, all with lower costs and at higher resolution providing better quality than traditional screen printing. “It is perfect for parents or grandparents who want a picture of their little one on a shirt, or for those pet owners who might like their best friend printed on a garment of their choice. It is also a great marketing tool for aspiring musicians or artists and sports teams.” Another recent purchase is an eco-friendly wide-format printer with fully biodegradable inks that prints vehicle graphics, banners, signs, and many other items at much lower costs. Info: david@federalhillprinting.com Glee Baby, the brainstorm of area resident Crystal Chang, offers musical fun for children and adults together. Fun music classes for children ages 0-5 with a parent or caregiver. Info: www.gleebaby.com Jordan Faye Contemporary and BE Events, 1401 Light Street, was featured in the “About Town” column of Style magazine. The writer had a lot of positive things to say about the attractive art gallery and special event rental space created by owner (and artist) Jordan Faye Block. For information on upcoming shows and event space options: www.jordanfayeblock.com Ladybugs&Fireflies, 1049 South Charles, has some unique items produced right in Federal Hill, including Petite Tete hats knit by a local mom, bottle cap necklaces made by an innovative local 7th grader, “diaper cakes” chockfull of new baby necessities created by another local mom, and hand-woven Bracelets for BARCS created by Josie, age 10 (to raise money for the dogs and cats we don’t have room to rescue, said shop owner Andrea Sommer, Josie’s mom). Info: www.ladybugsandfireflies.com Phina’s for the Home, 919 South Charles, offers a Problem Solver Corner to help clients with those hard-to-find items for the bedroom and dining room. “We have been coming up with solutions for odd-sized tablecloths, duvet inserts to fit oversized covers, and sheets to fit the new, thinner tempurpedic mattress,” said owner Carla Wing. Phina’s has also teamed up with The Drapery Workroom for custom window treatments, providing complete service from design to manufacturing to installation. Info: www. phinas.com Taverna Corvino, 1117 South Charles, has been actively adding, editing, and updating itself. New are more TVs for Ravens viewing and a modified menu of Italian pub fare featuring flatbread pizzas and sub-shop style hoagies. Remaining are the handmade pastas and fresh ingredients, many picked straight from their own Rooster Hill Farm in Hunt Valley. “In short, small plates have given way to the more simple and straightforward menu that will leave you hungry for more,” says Marketing Manager Scotti Offutt. Info: www.tavernavorvino.com Women Entrepreneurs of Baltimore, 1118 Light Street, is expanding the client base for its successful training and other entrepreneurial services program. “Boomers & Business 101” workshops are targeted to individuals who are rethinking retirement, considering a new career, or looking for a better work/life balance. Info: 410-727-4921 Scarborough Fair Bed & Breakfast, 801 South Charles, sponsored a fundraiser for Equality Maryland last month with an appropriate Halloween theme. The “Bacon Ball” enabled coowners Barry Werner and Jeff Findlay to showcase their fantastic and creative culinary skills. Barry is a member of the LGBT Tourism Advisory Committee for the city’s tourism agency, Visit Baltimore, and was recently asked to serve on a Professional Association of International Innkeepers task force to promote bed and breakfast establishments. Info: www.scarboroughfairbandb.com Sign-A-Rama, 1100 Light Street, supported Breast Cancer Awareness month by donating a portion of sales proceeds last month to a Relay for Life walking team. Sign-A-Rama also now offers a revolutionary new way to order online. Design, approve and purchase signs with a simple step-by step process. And, items can be shipped directly to you or picked up at the shop. Info: www.SignsInBaltimore.com Work by mosaic artist Matteo Randi at Artesanos don Bosco. 11 Welcome to Our New Businesses: Curiosity, 1033 South Charles (above Whimsy), offers specialty home goods such as lighting, small accessories, prints, unique frames, and more. It serves as a retail outlet for the De Stefano and Graleski Design Studio of Bolton Hill. Info: 410-727-6262. Midnite Confection’s Cupcakery, 1051 S. Charles St.: Check out these scrumptious and unique cupcakes in a variety of flavor combinations. Catering available! Info: 410-727-1010, www.midniteconfection.com D & J Gift Shop, 1129 Light Street, peaks one’s curiosity with a wide range of items, from jewelry to pocketbooks, china tea sets, and comical mugs. Lots of Orioles and Ravens gear, too! Info: 443-938-9427. Midnite Confections Cupcakery co-owners Sandra and Aaron McNeil (mother and son) were thrilled with the outpouring of support during their Grand Opening event. Don’t miss the cookbook Tasting Party! Just in time for holiday gift-giving, the Federal Hill Main Street cookbook is about to hit the streets. Federal Hill Cooks features over 200 recipes from local chefs, business owners, and residents, as well as drawings and original photographs. Chapters include Appetizers, Salads, Soups & Sandwiches, Main Dishes, Side Dishes, Desserts, Breakfast, Beverages, Kids in the Kitchen, and Etc. Come check it out at the Recipe Tasting Party on Thursday, November 18, 7 to 9 pm, at Jordan Faye Contemporary Gallery, 1401 Light Street. Several prepared dishes from the book will be available for sampling, along with some wine, for just $15. And, the cookbook will be for sale (a bargain at $20). Call Jane at Main Street for tickets or information: 410-727-4500. A dedicated group of volunteers brought this exciting project to fruition as a fundraiser for Federal Hill Main Street’s community revitalization program: Debbie Alt, AMY Grace, Erin Hopkins, Lauren Marks, Crystal Ryan, Cathy Strodel, Kerri Misiaszek (drawings), Steve Cole (photographs), Rachel Stachowiak (design and composition), and David Lapides (Federal Hill Printing). Thanks to them, and all the generous recipe contributors, Federal Hill Cooks is a winner! 12
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